A bagpiper and carol singers helped more than 100 people brave the cold waters of north Down in a charity sea dip in support of two organisations involved in raising suicide awareness.
The annual dip in Helen’s Bay, now running for 27 years, was organised to raise money for PIPS Suicide Prevention and East Belfast Survivors of Suicide.
Organisers, Helen’s Baywatch, a group of approximately all year round sea swimmers, said the turn out for the annual dip was one of the largest ever. Many were wearing Christmas-themed gear.
Helen’s Bay Singers sang carols while Sean McGovern played the bagpipe as those involved rushed in to the water, some rushing out again.
PIPS Suicide Prevention provides counselling and support to individuals who are experiencing or have experienced suicidal thoughts or mental unwellness. It also provides support to families and friends who have been touched by suicide.
East Belfast Survivors of Suicide provides outreach and promotional work on suicide prevention along with support for families bereaved by suicide.