Support for people bereaved by suicide
When you lose a loved one through suicide, it is important to know that there is help and support available. Most of the time, friends, family and colleagues can provide this support but, sometimes, you may need some extra help.
There are people, groups and organisations available to help both locally and nationally. They will accept how you are feeling and recognise the difficulties that you are facing. There are also organisations that can give you some support with the practical issues that may arise.
If you or someone you know needs help right now, in the first instance contact your GP or your nearest ‘Out Of Hours’ GP service. You can also go to, or contact the Emergency Department of your nearest hospital (www.hse.ie) or call the Emergency Services on 999 or 112. If you are being supported by a mental health team, or have been in the past, don’t be afraid to contact them for support.
Pieta House
If you want to talk to someone about how you are feeling, you can contact the Pieta House Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer for Cavan and Monaghan, Maria McBrien.
Maria provides emotional and practical support to people bereaved by suicide, including follow on support and therapeutic services, as required. Contact Maria on 085-8706591 or email maria.mcbrien@pieta.ie
Pieta Suicide Bereavement Counselling Service provides professional one-to-one therapeutic service to people (aged six plus years) who have been bereaved by suicide.
This service is free of charge and no referral is needed. Phone: 0818-111-126 to book an appointment with a therapist in Cavan or Monaghan.
Free phone 1800-247-247 or text HELP to 51444 - to speak to a therapist if you are in crisis or log on to www.pieta.ie
Need a HUGG?
HUGG Suicide Bereavement Support Group (HUGG) is a peer-support organisation. Their aim is to provide a safe, confidential environment in which those bereaved by suicide can share their experiences and feelings, so giving and gaining support from each other.
Their support groups are facilitated by trained and experienced people who have been bereaved by suicide.
The group meets every second Tuesday evening at 7.30pm in the Hotel Kilmore, Cavan (next meeting is on December 14).
Due to current HSE guidelines, it is essential that everyone coming along books in advance.
Book your place
To book your place, contact HUGG by visiting the website and selecting ‘Join a Group’ at https://www.hugg.ie or call Hazel at Cavan County Local Development on 049-4336070 or 087-6951865 or email: hleahy@ccld.ie