William and Kate in Northern Ireland for day-long visit

The Prince and Princess of Wales began with a visit to suicide prevention charity PIPS in north Belfast
Royal visit to Northern Ireland
The Princess of Wales arrives for a visit to PIPS Suicide Prevention (PIPS Charity) in Belfast
PA
David Young6 October 2022

The Prince and Princess of Wales are in Northern Ireland for a day-long visit.

William and Kate will fulfil a number of engagements with cross-community organisations that provide support to people from all backgrounds.

They began with a visit to suicide prevention charity PIPS in north Belfast.

Lord mayor Tina Black and Sinn Fein MP for the constituency John Finucane were among those who welcomed the royal couple on arrival.

Royal visit to Northern Ireland
The Princess of Wales is given flowers during a visit to PIPS Suicide Prevention (PIPS Charity) in Belfast
PA

Inside, 12-year-old Elyse Quinn, the daughter of the charity’s executive director Renee Quinn, presented the princess with a bouquet of flowers.

PIPS was founded in 2003 following the loss of 14 young people to suicide in Belfast over a short period of time the previous year.

Compelled to act, stakeholders from across the city came together to try to tackle the issue.

Royal visit to Northern Ireland
PA

During their visit, William and Kate spoke with staff about their work helping people at risk of suicide and self-harm.

The charity also arranged for them to take part in an art therapy session – painting pumpkins – with some vulnerable children who have been supported by PIPS.

Royal visit to Northern Ireland
PA

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisation has seen a significant rise in those reaching out for help.

That includes an increase of more than 500% among young people.

Royal visit to Northern Ireland
The Prince and Princess of Wales with (left to right) Martina McIlkenny, Care Team Manager and Renee Quinn, PIPS Executive Director during a visit to PIPS Suicide Prevention (PIPS Charity) in Belfast
PA

At the close of their visit, the prince and princess will be invited to join a group of volunteer counsellors in packing up the charity’s Little Boxes of Hope.

The support packages are given to children following their time with PIPS to assist their ongoing recovery and ensure that their parents and guardians feel better equipped to cope.

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