Support for families

The Bereaved by Suicide Project has been put in place by the Trust in recognition of the devastating effect suicide can have on family members and friends. It aims to generate awareness of the wide range of support organisations and individual counselling services across the Trust area that people can turn to if they have been bereaved in this way.

Danielle Gallagher (pictured) has been appointed as the Bereaved by Suicide Project Worker for the Northern Trust area and is actively involved in promoting and providing support services for families struggling to come to terms with bereavement due to suicide.

“We are now raising awareness of the Bereaved by Suicide Project, meeting with community and voluntary groups, members of the clergy, the PSNI and the emergency services.

“We also want to identify and assist those groups offering support to the bereaved, particularly those dealing with relatives of those who have taken their own life.

“Dealing with a bereavement through suicide is challenging due to the range and depth of emotions experienced, often accompanied by questions as to 'why' it has happened. By raising awareness of the help available, it is hoped the Bereaved by Suicide Project will also encourage those people finding it hard to cope to access support,” she said.

Anyone who would like more information about bereavement support groups, or to be referred to an individual counselling service, should contact Danielle on 2563 6607. More information can also be found online at www.northerntrust.hscni.net