'There is always hope' - Antrim pastor lays bare the scourge of drug problem in the town, and opens his doors to those seeking support

A FORMER Methodist minister in Antrim who set up his own church, charity and counselling service in the town has revealed the extent of the drugs problem plaguing Antrim - and has opened his doors to those needing help.

Back in 2023, Stephen Thompson and his wife Eleanor established Truth Revealed Community Church Antrim in a unit previously occupied by Antrim Community Church, at Parkhall Shopping Centre.

Stephen said he was prompted by God to step away from the Methodist Church in the town and he has undertaken a number of jobs in the months since, and has received charitable donations in order to set up Truth Revealed.

He is a trained counsellor and has previously worked in Ballyclare and Belfast.

Mr Thompson said that he heard God speak to him in prayer and ‘everything he said would happen, and happen quickly, has happened’.

“We even got our premises offered to us by the man who ran Antrim Community Church, who was also formerly in the Methodist Church and we have been given donations to buy chairs and other equipment.”

Stephen is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and is a trained counsellor, while Eleanor is accredited to offer a listening ear service.

At the time, he said: “We believe there is a huge need in the area.

“There are a lot of problems in the community.

“Even as a Methodist minister I was still counselling and it is a completely separate thing from the church.

“This is a non judgemental and confidential service - even Eleanor and I as husband and wife don’t discuss things we’ve been told in private.

“If people then want to come into the church, that’s no problem, but the two things are not the same - it’s not a tactic to get you in through the door!”

The new premises has a very informal style, with no organ - just guitars - and the walls are unadorned with religious imagery.

Mr Thompson does not wear a dog collar - he says he was ‘never a big fan anyway’ - and he says that everyone is welcome.

“This is a non denominational church and we are all about the outreach.

“We will not judge anyone, we know there are huge problems out there with mental health, poverty and addiction and like I say, we know there is a need out there for help and support.

“That can come through counselling, through the church or both.

“There will be an intimate and personal feel to everything that we do.

“I do feel like a lot of, particularly young people who are struggling, don’t have any sense of self or identity and do not know their place in this world.

“But everyone from the person at the very bottom, or top of the pile, can experience poor mental health and we want to be here to help anyone who needs it.

“A lot of people are put off church and the idea of church by imagery and organs and buildings and stuffy clothes, but there will be none of that here.”

Both Stephen and Eleanor are born and bred in Antrim and want to give back to the local community.

“This is all about the people in this town and how we can help them.” he said.

“We feel a big connection to this place and like I say we feel there is a need there and we needed to set up services to meet those needs.”

Flash forwards to 2026, and Stephen says that as the ministry grew, he and Eleanor became more aware of a serious issue affecting many families in the area – the growing problem of drugs, addiction, and mental health struggles.

Like many towns, Antrim has seen lives damaged by addiction. Sadly, lives have also been lost.

Behind every addiction story there is a person, a family, and often a great deal of pain.

Instead of turning away from the problem, Stephen said that Truth Revealed Ministries NI felt ‘called to respond in a practical and compassionate way’.

Around six weeks ago, a member of the fellowship, who has personal experience of addiction, felt the call to launch a new support group, along with help from supporters - including a member who was medically retired from work with PTSD - and Stephen.

The group meets every Monday evening at 7pm at Unit 2 Parkhall Shops, Antrim. The aim of the group is simple: to provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space for people who are struggling with addiction, mental health challenges, or both.

This is a faith-based group, but it is open to anyone who needs support. No one is judged. No one is pressured. People are free to come as they are, share as much or as little as they wish, and know that they will be treated with respect and understanding - and it is free.

Confidentiality is taken very seriously. What is shared within the group remains private.

For those who feel they need additional help, one-to-one sessions are available.

Pastor Thompson said: “These sessions are also highly confidential and are designed to provide personal support and guidance for individual needs and circumstances.

“Truth Revealed Ministries NI understands that they cannot fix every problem or change every situation. However, their heart is to make sure that people know they are not alone.

“There is always help available. There is always someone willing to listen.

“Most importantly, there is always hope.

“Addiction and mental health struggles can affect anyone. They do not discriminate.

“Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of courage.

“Whether someone is personally affected or knows a friend or family member who is struggling, support is available.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this support group or counselling, you are welcome to get in touch at Truth Revealed Ministries NI, Unit 2 Parkhall Shops, Antrim or call 07832 774629

Pastor Thompson said: “No matter how difficult things may seem, hope is never lost.

“There is always a way forward, and there are always people who care.”