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Most recently, during the Covid-19 crisis, the Foundation supported the charity to move its services online, funding online video and telephone counselling costs, as Links saw demand for services soar.

Laura Wylie, CEO of Links Counselling Service said: “At Links, our mission is to ensure that ‘no one journeys alone’ through difficult times.

“We provide professional counselling support at a time when people need it most.

The Lurgan-based Links Counselling Service has received three grants totalling £16,520 since 2017 from the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland to help support clients experiencing difficult life circumstances or ill mental health. Pictured (left to right): Executive Director Brenda McMullan, Lloyds Bank Ambassador Jim McCooe and Foundation Chair Imelda McMillan

“By offering timely therapeutic support, we aim to help prevent the onset of complex mental health difficulties for many individuals and families. When the pandemic hit, we had to act fast.

“Halifax Foundation were by our side, supporting us to offer additional counselling sessions via video and telephone, without which many people suffering in isolation would have struggled to cope.

“We’re so thankful that we’ve been able to help over 5,500 people this year.”

The Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland has contributed £39m to more than 11,000 projects, improving the lives of disadvantaged and disabled people since its start in 1985.

Halifax help for Lurgan ‘Links’