In a response to recent suicides and drug deaths, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has launched the Here 2 Help smartphone app.

It's free to download and contains contact information and reading material for people who find themselves struggling with everything from substance abuse and suicidal thoughts, to coping with bereavement and advice on claiming benefits.

Speaking at a mental health roadshow in Ballymena held to launch the app, Demi Laverty said it could have helped her when she was dealing with a prescription drug addiction two years ago.

"The suicide and death rate due to drugs here - I've never seen it like that before," she said.

"I can at least count five people on my hand who I know personally.

"This app is revolutionary; they've brought mental health to the 21st century."

Anne Donaghy, the chief executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, said: "There are far too many people who lose their life through mental health illness.

"For me, dealing with mental health begins at a community level.

"Councils have been given a new role to community plan across their borough - for me, it is my job to make sure people have access to the right information and telephone numbers."

Health Minister Robin Swann also attended the event.

He said: "Since taking over as health minister, I've made the issue of mental health one of my key priorities.

"What we have here today is different sectors coming together to bring forward solutions to the challenges in mental health that we have. It's a great example of the partnership working that we've been looking for."

Mr Swann said the Here 2 Help app could be rolled out across all communities.

To read the story in full go to https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-51482510