The Prince & Princess of Wales visit Northern Ireland today
We've got the latest on the Royal Visit today
Last updated 6th Oct 2022
The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived in Northern Ireland today where they will spend the day visiting cross-community organisations which work to provide services and support to people from all backgrounds.
Prince William and Princess Catherine’s first visit of the day is to PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland (PIPS Charity) in Belfast which works across communities in the city and throughout Northern Ireland to provide crisis support for those at risk of suicide and self-harm.
PIPS Charity was founded in 2003 following the tragic loss of fourteen young people to suicide in Belfast over a short period of time the previous year.
The charity delivers a range of tailored suicide prevention, counselling and bereavement support services, whilst also providing training to members of the public, helping them to spot those at risk of suicide and signpost them to support.
During their visit, Their Royal Highnesses will speak with PIPS Charity staff and counsellors about the life-saving work that the charity provides to service users and how the organisation has worked to remove all possible barriers to support those experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Following their time at PIPS Charity The Prince and Princess will visit Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in the heart of Belfast.
Having opened its doors to the public in July, Trademarket offers a place for different members of the community to come together to enjoy artisan food, drinks and products from local, independent vendors.
Their Royal Highnesses will also get behind the bar to try their hands at mixology, competing against one another in a race to make the fastest cocktail, before meeting with vendors to hear how Trademarket has helped their new businesses to thrive.
They will also hear about the measures that have been put in place to ensure the site is both ethically and environmentally sustainable, including the removal of single use plastics and a commitment to paying staff a real living wage.
Their Royal Highnesses’ last stop of the day will be in Carrickfergus, to visit Carrick Connect, a youth charity based in Carrickfergus which offers support services to local young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties.
Carrick Connect works closely with the young people it supports to help them remain on the right track and feel empowered to make positive life choices.
Promoting physical and mental wellbeing the project focusses on delivering activities that make other young people feel good, whilst allowing those running the Hub to learn leadership skills, build confidence and resilience, and have a voice in their local community.
Following their visit to Carrick Connect, Their Royal Highnesses will have the opportunity to meet members of the local community along the town’s seafront.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were given the titles of Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth upon their marriage in 2011.
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