Laois suicide bereavement support evening in Portlaoise

Laois people are being invited to avail of help that can be offered an upcoming free suicide bereavement support awareness event in Portlaoise.

Josephine Rigney is HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention for Laois and the Midlands. She explained more about the evening in the Killeshin Hotel.

"The event will provide awareness and advice for those who have unfortunately lost a family member, friend, colleague, work or teammate to suicide.  It will also be helpful to anyone providing support to individuals who have been bereaved.  Information on the supports and services that are available to help people to find hope and to navigate life after their loss will be provided," she said.

Ms Rigney said speakers from Pieta and HUGG (Healing Untold Grief Groups) will advise on the services they provide and a personal story of lived experience of suicide loss will also be shared. 

Pieta provides a range of services nationally to people who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide. All of our services are provided free of charge, and no referral is needed.

HUGG says it provides “postvention,” support which is part of suicide prevention. It says postvention refers to activities that reduce risk and promote healing for people impacted. Through being there for those who have lost someone to suicide, HUGG says it helps to reduce the heightened risk that the bereaved person may experience following a suicide.

"All are welcome to attend and refreshments will be served," she concluded.

The event takes place on Thursday, January 30 in the Killeshin Hotel, 7.30pm – 9pm.

It is estimated that about 500 people lose their lives to suicide in Ireland each year.