Seana Hippsley, Apex Senior Advocacy Support Officer, pictured with Gina McIntyre, SEUPB Chief Executive, at the launch of Right Support Right Time.
New wellbeing support services offer the Right Support at the Right Time
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.
Yesterday, Apex Housing Association (Apex) along with six other charities from across Ireland launched Right Support Right Time (RSRT), a new mental health and wellbeing service designed to ensure people can access the support that works best for them, when and how they need it.
Right Support Right Time is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and will be delivered in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of Ireland by Apex, Inspire, Mencap, Cedar, Respond, DePaul, and the Red Cross. RSRT has been awarded a grant of up to €7.7m million to deliver early intervention and prevention mental health and wellbeing support until September 2028.
The service will provide personalised support and clear information to help people take positive steps to manage the issues causing them worry, anxiety and distress.
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
- Practical planning and support to help people understand their rights and ensure their voice is heard
The service is open to adults living in Northern Ireland or the border counties of Ireland. 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 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.
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 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.
Seana Hippsley, Apex Senior Advocacy Support Officer, said:
At Apex, we see every day how challenges like money worries, relationships, ill health and isolation can affect people’s wellbeing. That’s why Right Support Right Time is so important. Working with our partners, we will ensure people are met with understanding, compassion and practical help at the moment they need it most. Our team will offer clear information, focused one to one support and access to specialist services that help individuals feel heard, valued and empowered.
Find out more about Right Support Right Time:
