Councillor Mary O’Dowd, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, has announced two local charities as her official causes for the coming year: PIPS Hope and Support and the Parkinson’s UK Armagh Support Group.
Why these charities were chosen
The Lord Mayor said she selected the organisations because of the direct support they offer to residents facing mental health crises and to those living with Parkinson’s. Both groups operate at a local level and provide services aimed at increasing resilience, reducing isolation and connecting people to practical help.
“It is a real privilege to support two local charities that play such an important role in our borough and have such a profound effect on our residents’ lives,”
The Lord Mayor added she will work with the charities to raise awareness of their services and to support fundraising efforts so more residents know where to turn in times of need.
What each charity does
Both organisations provide distinct but complementary services across the borough:
- PIPS Hope and Support – offers suicide prevention, crisis intervention and bereavement support for individuals and families experiencing acute distress.
- Parkinson’s UK Armagh Support Group – provides friendship, practical advice and peer support for people living with Parkinson’s as well as their carers and families.
Representatives from both charities met with the Lord Mayor to discuss the impact of their work and to outline possible joint activities. Those discussions will inform a calendar of events and fundraising initiatives to be delivered throughout the municipal year.
Local impact and what to expect
For residents, the announcement signals an increased public profile for services that can be hard to find. There may be:
- community fundraising events hosted or endorsed by the Mayor’s office;
- awareness campaigns to publicise helplines, referral routes and local support groups;
- opportunities for volunteers and local organisations to become involved in collaborative projects.
Seamus McCabe MBE, Chief Executive Officer at PIPS Hope and Support, said the charity felt honoured to be chosen and welcomed the additional attention the Lord Mayor’s backing would bring.
| Charity | Main focus |
|---|---|
| PIPS Hope and Support | Suicide prevention, crisis intervention, bereavement support |
| Parkinson’s UK Armagh Support Group | Peer support, practical help, advocacy for people with Parkinson’s |
Local residents who need support or who wish to volunteer should contact the charities directly for details of services and upcoming events. The Lord Mayor’s endorsement is intended to make those contact points more visible across Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon.
Further details of specific fundraising events and awareness activities will be published by the Mayor’s office and by the charities in the coming weeks.
