NIE Networks announces PIPS as its new Charity of the Year 

NIE Networks has announced that PIPS will be its charity partner for the coming year. The new partnership will see NIE Networks employees from across its 13 regional sites fundraise for the charity.

PIPS (Public Initiative for Prevention of Suicide & Self Harm) is a grass roots, community-led organisation founded in 2008, which delivers suicide prevention and bereavement support services, counselling and therapies to individuals who are considering or have considered ending their own lives, as well as family and friends that have been affected by suicide. 

The team at NIE Networks plans to fundraise through payroll giving, as well as organising company-wide events throughout the year, including a number of smaller fundraising initiatives which will be run at a regional level across Northern Ireland, provided it is safe to do so.

In recent years, NIE Networks has demonstrated a strong track record of charity work, and through both financial donations and volunteering, it has donated tens of thousands of pounds to local charities that are in need of support. 

Paula Leathem, Senior HR Business Partner at NIE Networks, said: “As part of our ongoing employee engagement strategy, we placed the decision regarding our Charity of the Year into the hands of our employees, and I am proud that we have chosen to support such a worthwhile cause in PIPS. 

“There are strong synergies between our positive culture around mental health and wellbeing and PIPS, and we recognise the importance of promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing, both at work and at home.  

“With that in mind, we have asked all of our employees to make a monthly donation to the NIE Networks Charities Fund, which will go towards the crucial work PIPS undertakes in our local communities. For every individual that signs up to the monthly donation scheme, NIE Networks is committed to donating an additional £1 to the fund per month.”

Renée Quinn, Executive Director at PIPS, added: “Given the current global crisis we are all facing, now is more important than ever to continue placing a strong emphasis on mental health and wellbeing. 

“Therefore, it is crucial that we continue to get buy-in from corporate sponsors like NIE Networks, in order to help us drive the important work that we carry out in communities across Northern Ireland. 

“We are thrilled to have NIE Networks on board and we look forward to collaborating with them over the coming year.”