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 a person’s mental health and wellbeing.
A partnership of seven expert charities from across Northern Ireland and Ireland has launched Right Support Right Time (RSRT), a new mental health and wellbeing service designed to ensure that people can access the support that works best for them, when and how they need it.
RSRT is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It forms part of PEACEPLUS’s theme 4.1, ‘Healthy and Inclusive Communities’.
The project will be delivered in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland by Inspire, Mencap, Cedar, Apex, Respond, DePaul, and the Red Cross.
RSRT has been awarded a grant of up to €7,725,887.67 to provide early-intervention-and-prevention mental health and wellbeing support until 30th September 2028.
The service will deliver clear information and personalised support to help people take positive steps and manage the issues causing them worry, anxiety and distress.
A dedicated staff team 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
- Practical planning and support to help people understand their rights and ensure that their voices are heard
The service is open to adults living in Northern Ireland and Ireland’s border counties. RSRT will place particular focus on people who are most likely to experience poor mental health and least likely to access services. This includes those living in areas of deprivation; persons with intellectual or physical disabilities, along with their families and carers; people experiencing homelessness; newcomer families; and individuals seeking international protection.
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 focusing 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 and community and voluntary sectors to tackle a challenge common to both jurisdictions is, therefore, most welcome, timely and significant.”
Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People Mary Butler TD said:
“I warmly welcome the funding for this important initiative, which places a strong emphasis on early intervention and tackling the root causes of stress and distress in people’s lives. By addressing these stressors proactively in a way that’s tailored to people’s specific needs, we can make a real difference in improving mental health outcomes.
“I am particularly pleased to see the leading role of community and voluntary organisations in delivering this project, ensuring that support is accessible, compassionate and grounded in the needs of local communities.”
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 10,000 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:
“This 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 individuals, when they need it most. It is an investment in people and in communities and Inspire is proud to lead this transformative initiative.”
You can contact the Right Support Right Time team Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Call us: 0808 189 0036
Email: hello@inspirewellbeing.org
Webchat: www.inspirewellbeing.org/rsrt