Some stories published in the Church of Ireland Gazette address sensitive or distressing subjects. We recognise that readers across the island of Ireland may respond to such material in different ways, and that for some it may raise personal concerns or difficult memories.

If you have been affected by anything you have read, or if you need support for yourself or someone else, the following services may be helpful.

Immediate danger

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please contact the emergency services without delay.

• Republic of Ireland:
  Garda Síochána — 999 or 112

• Northern Ireland:
  Police Service of Northern Ireland — 999

Emotional support and crisis listening

These services are confidential and available to anyone who needs to talk.

Available in both RoI and NI

• Samaritans
  Free, confidential listening support, 24 hours a day
  116 123 | samaritans.org

Mental health and wellbeing support

Republic of Ireland

• Pieta
  Support for those affected by suicidal thoughts or self-harm
  1800 247 247 | pieta.ie

• Aware
  Support for depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder
  aware.ie

• HSE
  Information on public mental health services
  hse.ie

Northern Ireland

• Lifeline
  24-hour crisis listening service
  0808 808 8000 | lifelinehelpline.info

• NHS Northern Ireland
  Information on mental health and wellbeing services
  nhs.uk/ni

Safeguarding and reporting concerns

If you have a safeguarding concern connected to the Church of Ireland, or wish to raise an issue confidentially:

• Church of Ireland Safeguarding Trust
  churchofireland.org/safeguarding

If your concern relates to a child or vulnerable adult:

Republic of Ireland

• Tusla
  tusla.ie

Northern Ireland

• Gateway Service
  nidirect.gov.uk/gateway

• NSPCC
  Helpline: 0808 800 5000 | nspcc.org.uk

Professional and pastoral support

You may also wish to speak with:

• your GP or health professional

• a trusted minister or pastoral caregiver

• a qualified counsellor or therapist

A note to readers

The Church of Ireland Gazette is an editorially independent journalistic publication. It is not a provider of counselling or pastoral care. If something you read causes distress, we strongly encourage you to seek appropriate support from the services listed above.

Thank you for reading with care.