PHA teams up with charity to raise awareness of mental health support and crisis intervention

With the rally season under way, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has teamed up with Steering Positive Minds to raise awareness of mental health support and crisis intervention by having the Lifeline helpline number promoted on a driver’s car for this season.

The Lifeline 24/7 crisis intervention helpline will have its logo and phone number 0808 808 8000 on the back of the car of reigning Northern Ireland junior driver champion Ben McFall throughout the 2025 Irish rally championships.

The partnership had its official launch at the Circuit of Ireland Rally on Friday (April 18) and has already been seen in action at the Tour of the Sperrins Rally.

Fiona Teague, Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Lead at the PHA, said: “This innovative partnership will see Lifeline promoted to a wide audience of drivers, support teams, family, friends and motorsport fans throughout the rally calendar season. We are delighted to have the opportunity to promote this important service over the coming months at these events.

“Lifeline is Northern Ireland’s crisis response helpline for people experiencing distress or despair. Calls to the helpline are free, It’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. Lifeline also offers support for people who are worried about someone else.

“The partnership with Steering Positive Minds has provided a wonderful opportunity to highlight this vital service.  A huge thanks to Ben McFall for handing over the design space on his car for an important public health issue.”

At the launch at the Circuit of Ireland Rally, the car was unveiled with the Lifeline logo alongside the logos of mental health charities Mental Health Ireland and Papyrus. Lifeline staff also hosted an information and advice stall as part of Talk Shop Mind, a mental health and wellbeing hub for those attending the rallies to find out more about mental health services, which welcomed more than 200 visitors.

Volunteer Director of Steering Positive Minds CIC, AnnMarie McFall, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Lifeline, Mental Health Ireland and Papyrus to help raise awareness of mental health issues and the intervention and support network that exist right across this island.

“The car will be raced at multiple venues across Ireland right through to November so there is plenty of opportunity for people to see the wonderful display on the vehicle. The racing is important but being able to collaborate with organisations to raise awareness of crisis support for mental health and suicide prevention has been a wonderful opportunity. It’s a credit to the team of volunteers from Steering Positive Minds to see this come to life.”