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Naomi Long: Social media 'a life saver' in missing councillor appeal

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long Alliance Party leader Naomi Long

ALLIANCE leader Naomi Long has revealed a Belfast councillor who went missing was found safe by a couple who saw appeals for his whereabouts shared online.

She praised social media as a "life saver" and thanked the public for their assistance after party representative David Armitage turned up safe.

Mrs Long issued a plea for help in locating Mr Armitage on Sunday after he posted a worrying message on the social media platform.

The call for information was shared thousands of times online with many politicians, including DUP leader Arlene Foster, also appealing for help in finding Mr Armitage.

The search has also sparked fresh conversation online about mental health awareness.

Mrs Long said Mr Armitage was "found safe and well, and is getting the help he needs".

Replying to people who expressed their relief at him being found, she tweeted: "It was a couple who saw this on social media who spotted him. It's been a life saver."

The East Belfast MLA added: "People have been amazing. Every party had reps sharing and searching, people right across the city were offering to help.

"We were overwhelmed in the best way by all of the love and support. Sometimes we forget what an amazing community we can be."

Mr Armitage (50), who is originally from Bradford but has lived in Belfast for more than 20 years, has previously spoken about his struggle with mental health.

In 2015 to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Mr Armitage said he hoped sharing his personal story would inspire others to seek help.

"Every day is a new day," he said.

"Suicide has been described as a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

"People need to know there are people who can help you get better and overcome problems and get a better quality of life."

Last year, he also told of his mental health struggles when he backed Belfast City Council plans to establish a forum aimed at addressing mental health issues.

"I understand how mental illness not just affects myself; but my work life, family life and life generally," he said.

"We need to break the taboo around mental health and we need to see action to ensure protocols are put in place to help those affected."