A MISSING Belfast councillor has turned up safe following an appeal from Alliance leader Naomi Long for help in finding him.
A plea for assistance was issued by Mrs Long yesterday afternoon after east Belfast representative David Armitage had posted a worrying message on social media.
Mrs Long appealed for members of the public to help try to locate Mr Armitage, who represents the Titanic ward of Belfast city council.
Writing on Twitter, she said: "We need to locate him urgently. The constituency office is open from 3.30pm, if you can help us search.
"If you see him, contact me."
Her appeals were shared on social media by hundreds of people, with many politicians, including DUP Arlene Foster, also appealing for help in locating Mr Armitage.
Several hours later, the Alliance leader confirmed the councillor had been found safe and thanked everyone who had helped in the search.
"To everyone who helped search for @davidaalliance Thank you," she said.
"He has been found, is with me and getting the help he needs. All of you have proven how powerful Twitter can be and I am forever grateful."
Mr Armitage, who is originally from Bradford but has lived in Belfast for more than 20 years, has previously spoke about his struggle with mental health.
Speaking to the media in 2015 to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Mr Armitage said he hoped that by sharing his personal story others will be inspired 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 plans by Belfast City Council to establish a forum aimed at addressing the critical issues of mental health and drug and alcohol addiction support services.
"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."
