The number of people contacting a Northern Ireland helpline for those at risk of suicide or self harm is growing steadily, the organisers of the service said today.
Lifeline said today its counsellors fielded more than 30,000 calls to the 24-hour helpline since it was established in February.
In August a total of 7,877 calls were received, exceeding the target 6,000 by almost 30 per cent. In July there were 7,347 cases and in June 6,375.
Contact Youth Counselling spokeswoman Norma Patterson said: "While it is still too early to assess
and define Lifeline's full impact, we know that this service is making a difference by providing people with support when the burden becomes too much for them alone."
Lifeline is funded by the Department of Health with an annual budget of £3.5 million.