Service launched for midland families bereaved by suicide
The HSE has developed and launched a Midlands Suicide Bereavement Liaison Support Service.
The service is designed to help families who have been bereaved by suicide in Offaly, Laois, Longford and Westmeath.
It will provide practical help and support as well as answering questions and giving information, directing to appropriate therapeutic services, and offers help with communication with Gardai or Coroners.
The Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer can meet with a bereaved family (at their request) as a group or individually. Support can also be given by telephone and can be provided hours, days, weeks or years after the loss.
Individuals or families may want guidance or assistance in accessing a therapeutic service, or even just to talk with someone locally about what has happened. In some cases, there may be a specific concern about the reactions and emotions family members or the wider community are experiencing.
The HSE National Office of Suicide Prevention is funding the initiative and the service provider is Midlands Living Links. The service is supported and guided by key agencies such as An Garda Siochana, representatives from Religious groups, the Education Sector, relevant HSE Deparments, such as Suicide Resource Service, Mental Health Services, Primary Care, Psychology and other organisations. Most importantly, bereaved families and individuals are involved in the ongoing guidance and development of the Service.
A bereavement support pack specific to the HSE Midlands area is also available which includes information leaflets on grief, loss and bereavement and the effect of the grieving process for children, young people, families, parents and carers. The pack also includes information on relevant support services and resources, and includes information on the role of the Coroner.
The service is coordinated by Bernie Carroll, an Accredited Counsellor (MIACP), based in Tullamore. Bernie can be contacted on (086) 418 0088 or e-mail: midlandssbls@gmail.com.