Northern Ireland

Homeless and mental health charities receive cheques from Black Santa appeal

Dean of Belfast Stephen Forde pictured with special guest Lynda Bryans and charity representatives Pete Kernoghan, No More Traffic; Kathleen McGarrity, Colmcille Senior Citizens Club, Omagh; Carolyn Stewart, Youth Lyric; and Diane Marks, Guide Dogs NI with dog Morris
Dean of Belfast Stephen Forde pictured with special guest Lynda Bryans and charity representatives Pete Kernoghan, No More Traffic; Kathleen McGarrity, Colmcille Senior Citizens Club, Omagh; Carolyn Stewart, Youth Lyric; and Diane Marks, Guide Dogs NI wit Dean of Belfast Stephen Forde pictured with special guest Lynda Bryans and charity representatives Pete Kernoghan, No More Traffic; Kathleen McGarrity, Colmcille Senior Citizens Club, Omagh; Carolyn Stewart, Youth Lyric; and Diane Marks, Guide Dogs NI with dog Morris

CHARITIES helping the homeless and those living with mental health issues are among good causes to benefit from £168,000 raised during Belfast's Black Santa Appeal.

The annual sit-out on the steps of St Anne's Cathedral took place before Christmas with Dean Stephen Forde in his first year as Black Santa.

Cheques were presented during a Good Samaritans Service yesterday to 220 charities and organisations, including Shelter, the Simon Community and Welcome Organisation.

Others smaller groups to benefit include The Wave Project, which uses surfing to help young people overcome issues including anxiety, and Fighting Words, an east Belfast-based charity that helps children and teens boost self-esteem through creative writing workshops.

Speaking after the service, Dean Forde said: "This recognises the trust the public places in the cathedral by giving so generously to us so we can pass that generosity onto the people and organisations that need it the most.

"This year I have chosen once again to support those charities working with homeless and rough sleepers, as this continues to be a very serious, visible and complex issue in the city of Belfast. It is why we are working with charities and organisations who have knowledge and expertise.

"We are also focussing on organisations supporting people who are facing mental ill health. I am aware this is an issue which touches the lives of many people and those that know them best. It is an area still in need of significant resourcing."