Bereaved By Suicide Support Groups

The Trust currently has four Support Groups in Ballymena, Magherafelt, Coleraine and Carrickfergus.

The meetings, which normally last for two hours, offer an opportunity for families and friends over 18 who are bereaved by suicide to meet with other bereaved families in a supportive and safe environment.

Participants can, if they wish, share anything that may be affecting them. Complimentary art and relaxation therapy sessions and refreshments are also offered.

The use of art materials to create imagery can often be an important means of self-expression, communication and stress relief. Images can be a way of expressing thoughts and feelings that are not quite clear enough to be dealt with in words alone.

Commenting on the Support Groups, Danielle Gallagher, Bereaved by Suicide Support Officer with the Northern Trust said:

“We recognise that attending a support group for the first time can be a daunting experience for some people, but they have proven to be of considerable benefit to those who have attended. They discover a genuine caring and supportive atmosphere which is free of any kind of pressure. Within each group we also have a qualified counsellor should people want to talk directly to them about aspects which may be proving particularly difficult for them.”

Further details about the support groups and the dates and timings of meetings are available by telephoning Danielle or David on 028 9441 3544 or emailing [email protected]