Support services for those affected by suicide

If you are bereaved by suicide, you may experience a range of emotions including shock, disbelief, guilt, and anger. As suicide may occur unexpectedly or be very sudden, this makes it traumatic for those left behind.

Some people bereaved by suicide may start to have suicidal thoughts themselves. If you or somebody you know who has been bereaved by suicide experience this, please reach out for help to a family member or friend, or to one of the organisations listed below.

Even though this is an extremely difficult time, you may have concerns about practical matters which arise after someone close to you dies.

Bereavement - a practical guide (pdf) is a guide to some of these practical concerns and sets out information such as:

• What to do immediately after a death
• Possible social welfare entitlements
• Tax, financial and legal issues that can arise
• Where to go for further information and support

If you are supporting someone who has been bereaved by suicide, it is important to be extremely sensitive to the needs of the bereaved person. Each situation involving suicide is different and people react in different ways.

It is also important to be mindful of your own mental wellbeing while offering support to the bereaved. The organisations listed below can help, particularly if a time comes when you can no longer offer the level of support needed.

These organisations can offer you advice, information and support during this very distressing time. Some organisations run support groups that can put you in touch with other people that have been through this experience.

The National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) was established within the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2005 to oversee the implementation of the first National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention (pdf).

The NOSP supports the implementation of the current national strategy, Connecting for Life, and co-ordinates suicide prevention efforts around the country.

National Office for Suicide Prevention

The NOSP works closely with Suicide Prevention Resource Officers appointed in the HSE across Ireland that provide information on local support services for those who have been bereaved by suicide.

The NOSP funds the Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service which offers free, confidential support provided by different agencies throughout Ireland.

Tel: 01 7785112 (for office enquiries only)

Homepage: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/Mental_Health_Services/NOSP/

Email: info@nosp.ie

Tusla - Child and Family Agency

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, provides funding to voluntary organisations which offer support services, including bereavement counselling.

Tel: (01) 771 8500

Homepage: https://www.tusla.ie/

Email: info@tusla.ie

Friends of Suicide Loss (FOSL)

Friends of Suicide Loss (FOSL) offers support services for those bereaved by suicide. They run support groups, educational programmes and workshops, with a particular focus on postvention services and awareness. Postvention is an intervention conducted with the bereaved after a suicide has occurred.

Tel: (01) 492 7576

Homepage: https://friendsofsuicideloss.ie/

Email: info@fosl.ie

Pieta

Pieta offers counselling, therapy and support for people who have been bereaved by suicide and for people who are thinking about suicide. They have locations across Ireland and offer services through telephone and via text message.

• 24 hour freephone crisis helpline: 1800 247 247
• Text HELP to 51444
• Therapy services: 0818 111 126 (no referral needed)

Tel: (01) 4585490 (head office)

Homepage: https://www.pieta.ie/

Email: info@pieta.ie

HUGG

HUGG offers support and information for those bereaved by suicide. They run support groups online and in various locations across Ireland.

Tel: 01 513 4048

Homepage: https://www.hugg.ie/

Email: support@hugg.ie