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13/11/2023
PHA Highlights Services For Those Affected By Suicide
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has urged anyone across NI that has been affected by suicide to access available emotional support services.
The PHA made the call ahead of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, on Saturday 18 November.
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
The PHA made the call ahead of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, on Saturday 18 November.
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
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