Joint statement by Alderman Stewart McDonald and Cllr Timothy Gaston, Deputy Mayor Mid and East Antrim Borough Council:
“On Monday evening we accepted an invite from the Hope Group to come along and meet with them to discuss issues around Depression, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
“We can honestly say we were deeply impressed by their knowledge, support for one another and commitment. There should be no stigma in society towards people with mental health illness – it can strike anybody and anytime. It is important that when it does happen there is professional support available.
“It is the statutory provision for mental health that is currently under pressure. With those agencies under pressure groups such as the Hope Group and Turning Point NI have a invaluable role to play.
“We both commit ourselves to being there to support our constituents and those groups seeking to help.”