Mental health support and crisis intervention are being highlighted in motorsport this season as the Public Health Agency (PHA) partners with Steering Positive Minds to raise awareness of the Lifeline helpline. Lifeline is Northern Ireland’s crisis response helpline for people experiencing distress or despair. Calls to the helpline are free, and it is 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.
- Free calls
- 24/7 support
- Crisis response helpline
The partnership between the PHA and Steering Positive Minds aims to promote the Lifeline helpline to a wide audience of drivers, support teams, family, friends, and motorsport fans throughout the rally calendar season.
- Reigning Northern Ireland junior driver champion Ben McFall
- Steering Positive Minds
- Mental Health Ireland
- Papyrus
A unique partnership has been formed between the PHA and Steering Positive Minds, with the Lifeline logo and phone number 0808 808 8000 on the back of the car of Ben McFall, the reigning Northern Ireland junior driver champion, throughout the 2025 Irish rally championships.
| Event | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit of Ireland Rally | Circuit of Ireland | April 18 |
| Tour of the Sperrins Rally | Sperrin Mountains | May 2-4 |
The partnership had its official launch at the Circuit of Ireland Rally on Friday, April 18. At the launch, the car was unveiled with the Lifeline logo alongside the logos of Mental Health Ireland and Papyrus.
“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.”
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. This partnership highlights the importance of mental health support and crisis intervention in high-pressure environments like motorsport.
Fiona continued: “Lifeline is a vital resource for people experiencing distress or despair. This is a service that can be accessed by anyone, anywhere in Northern Ireland.
AnnMarie McFall, Volunteer Director of Steering Positive Minds CIC, 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, providing plenty of opportunities for people to see the wonderful display on the vehicle.
“Being able to collaborate with organisations to raise awareness of crisis support for mental health and suicide prevention has been a wonderful opportunity for our team of volunteers from Steering Positive Minds. It’s a credit to their hard work and dedication to see this come to life.”
This partnership is a shining example of how the motorsport community can come together to support mental health awareness and provide resources for those in need. By highlighting the Lifeline helpline, we can encourage more people to reach out for help and support.
This unique collaboration will also help to reduce stigma around mental health issues and promote a culture of support and understanding within the motorsport community.
As the 2025 Irish rally championships get underway, this partnership will continue to promote mental health support and crisis intervention, reaching a wide audience of drivers, support teams, family, friends, and motorsport fans throughout the rally calendar season.
The partnership will also involve a series of events and activities to raise awareness of mental health issues and the support network available. These events will include information and advice stalls, workshops, and seminars, all designed to promote mental health awareness and provide resources for those in need. By partnering with the PHA and Steering Positive Minds, the Lifeline helpline will be able to reach a wider audience and provide more support to those in need. This partnership is a significant step forward in promoting mental health awareness and providing resources for those in need.
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