Finding hope and healing after suicide

HUGG, Ireland’s national suicide bereavement charity, is raising awareness of suicide bereavement and the support services available for people who have been impacted by suicide loss. The event is held in Hotel Kilmore on Saturday, October 21, from 1-4pm.

For every one person who dies by suicide, it is estimated that 135 people are affected by the death. This equates to more than 60,000 individuals who may be impacted by suicide annually in Ireland.

Bereavement by suicide shares characteristics with other bereavements but it is also different. We know from the findings of the Irish National Suicide Bereavement Survey that many people who experience grief after a suicide feel stigma and personal shame, leading to increased social isolation following the death of their loved one and avoiding speaking to others about their loss.

Talking and being in the company of others who understand your grief can help. Join us on Saturday, October 21, for coffee, cake, and compassionate conversations around suicide grief.

Psychotherapist Una Holstead will discuss the impact of suicide grief, highlighting ways families and communities can support young people to grieve and cope with their loss. A HUGG Cavan support group member will share their lived experience of suicide loss and what has helped them along their grief journey.

Doors open at 1pm with speakers from 1.30pm. We encourage anyone who has been affected or bereaved by suicide, either in a personal or professional capacity to join us, regardless of when your loss occurred. HUGG staff and volunteers will be on hand to provide information on what suicide bereavement supports are available and local support services will be present on the day.

HUGG provides information, signposting, resources, and suicide bereavement support groups nationwide.

Anyone over 18 who has been bereaved or affected by suicide can get information and support by visiting HUGG.ie or by calling 01-5134048.