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A new cross border mental health and wellbeing service has been launched to ensure people can access the support that works best for them, when and how they need it.
Right Support Right Time (RSRT) is a partnership of seven expert charities from across Ireland designed to help people manage the issues causing them worry, anxiety and distress. The service will provide personalised support and clear information to help people take positive steps forward.
Financial pressures, housing challenges, relationship difficulties, bereavement, ill health, loneliness, disability, substance misuse and the impacts of forced migration and displacement can all take a toll on mental health and wellbeing. A dedicated team of staff will offer a comprehensive range of supports including focused one to one conversations to identify the right support for each person, mental health and wellbeing information and awareness sessions, specialist advocacy to help people address the issues affecting them, access to therapeutic physical and mental wellbeing services, and practical planning and support to help people understand their rights and ensure their voice is heard.
Right Support Right Time is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), as part of theme 4.1 'Healthy and Inclusive Communities'. The project will be delivered in Northern Ireland and the border counties in the south by seven charities: Inspire, Mencap, Cedar, Apex, Respond, DePaul and the Red Cross. RSRT has been awarded a grant of up to €7,725,887.67 to deliver early intervention and prevention mental health and wellbeing support until 30 September 2028.
Minister of Health Mike Nesbitt MLA said: "Mental health services are areas of growing demand, and my Department remains firmly committed to improving outcomes for some of our most vulnerable citizens. By focussing on some of the main challenges individuals face when trying to access mental health services, Right Support Right Time will work with statutory services to improve mental health literacy for those requiring support, alleviate pressure on waiting lists and address cultural barriers in service design and delivery. The opportunity this project brings for further cross-border collaboration by the statutory, community and voluntary sectors to tackle a challenge common to both jurisdictions is therefore most welcome, timely and significant."
The service is open to adults living in Northern Ireland and the border counties, south of the border. RSRT will place particular focus on people most likely to experience poor mental health and least likely to access services, including those living in areas of deprivation, people with intellectual or physical disabilities and their families and carers, people experiencing homelessness, newcomer families and individuals seeking international protection.
Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler TD welcomed the funding and said it can make a real difference in improving mental health outcomes.
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: "Right Support Right Time is a clear example of turning partnership into progress. This PEACEPLUS initiative brings together organisations with expertise in mental health, housing and community support to deliver a trauma informed model of care for almost ten thousand adults across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. By focusing on prevention, early intervention and coordinated services, it will address real needs and make a tangible difference in people's lives. It is a practical demonstration of how collaboration can strengthen communities, reduce inequalities and improve wellbeing."
Kerry Anthony MBE, CEO of Inspire, said the launch marks a significant milestone for mental health services in Northern Ireland and the border counties. "Supported by PEACEPLUS, Right Support Right Time brings together expertise from across the community and voluntary sector to deliver something truly innovative: an accessible pathway to personalised support that works for them, when they need it most. It is an investment in people and in communities and Inspire is proud to lead this transformative initiative."
The Right Support Right Time team can be contacted Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm on 0808 189 0036, by email at hello@inspirewellbeing.org or online at www.inspirewellbeing.org.
