A West Belfast suicide prevention charity has hailed Translink for its support in easing the burden of costs associating with travelling to their hub.
West Wellbeing, which based in the Dairyfarm Shopping Centre on the Stewartstown Road, has been helping people with poor mental health from their hub. Through overwhelming community support, their space has been transformed from a shell of a unit, to a welcoming space, free from judgement.
And as the cost of living crisis continues to crippled homes, a £1,000 donation from Translink will mean day passes for the Glider to help those who need to travel to West Wellbeing for their services.
Read more: Belfast suicide prevention charity providing a safe space for young people
The money, which was handed over to the charity's youth coordinator Alix Magowan Wilton, will be split 50/50, half going towards bus bases, and the other £500 to support the Well Girl programme, to help train youth club workers to deliver West Wellbeing's programmes for their participants.
Speaking to Belfast Live Stephen Montgomery, Falls Depot service delivery manager at Translink, explained why they have come on board.
"As Northern Ireland’s public transport provider we’re committed to better connecting our local communities," he said.
"And we’re proud to help make our premises available for events across the community, recently the Colin Connect Hub hosted the annual ‘Circle of Hope’ event taking place on International Women’s day Wednesday March 8, 2023.
"The Translink’s Staff Charity Committee has donated £1000 to West Wellbeing Suicide Prevention, a charity set up in 2021 to help those experiencing poor mental health. The organisation offers support through a range of services, including one to one counselling, bespoke workshops, training programmes, critical response call outs, child art and play therapy, advocacy services, befriending and community outreach.
"We hope our donation will help the team at West Wellbeing continue the great services it provides to those in need in the local community and across Belfast.
"This will help West Wellbeing connect its services with those most in need. Whilst based in West Belfast the organisation offers services to anyone in need of support for their mental health, from any area, free of charge."
For ways in which you can help or get help at West Wellbeing, you can find them on social media here.
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