Help is at Hand this International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

A logo for the Comkit service, which shows someone reading a newspaper, two people hugging and two people talking.

As International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day approaches on Saturday 18 November the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging anyone who has been bereaved by suicide to avail of the emotional support available to help them address their feelings and to restore hope.

The PHA’s booklet ‘Help Is At Hand’ is a compassionate resource which draws on the experience of those affected by a loss through suicide and focusses on the practical help that can be offered to those grieving. The booklet can be found at www.pha.site/HelpIsAtHand  

Fiona Teague, Regional Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Lead at the PHA said: “Help Is At Hand is an important resource that can help people at some of the most challenging times in their lives.

“It’s not something that someone in that situation has to read from cover-to-cover, but it does have specific sections that focus on self-care, on helping someone who has been bereaved and on your short and long-term needs.

“It draws on lived experience and that can be invaluable for someone who is going through the trauma of a suicide bereavement.

“There are also lots of options listed for supporting those who have lost someone, including contact details for local charities and helpful organisations.

“It can serve as a guide to help you cope at such a tough time and letting you know that there is hope.”

Another resource is Comkit - www.comkit.info – an online platform to support communities following a sudden death that is a suspected suicide.

Fiona continued: “Comkit is also informed by the lived experience of those who have been affected by suicide, including the Family Voices Forum, which was crucial in the design of what is a hugely beneficial online resource.

“It gives people guidance on how to navigate social media at such a time of distress and it also provides helpful information for family, friends, politicians, media, community groups and neighbours.

“The important thing to remember is that you are never alone and that there is always hope and your current situation can improve.”

Help is also available 24/7, 365 days a year through the Lifeline helpline on 0800 808 8000, you can find out more about Lifeline by visiting www.LifelineHelpline.info

Notes to the editor
  • The ‘Help Is At Hand’ booklet can be accessed at www.pha.site/HelpIsAtHand
  • Comkit resources can be found at www.comkit.info
  • The PHA commissions the regional 24/7 freephone crisis counselling helpline Lifeline 0808 808 8000. It is available for people of all ages and calls to Lifeline are answered by qualified crisis counsellors. The service can also offer face-to-face counselling sessions for those who require it within their community or over the telephone where appropriate.
  • A video with Gerry, who suffered a suicide bereavement in his family, is available where he explains the useful information available in the PHA’s ‘Help Is At Hand’ booklet. The video can be found at www.vimeo.com/manage/videos/874718052