Listening to families touched by suicide is essential

Families who have been affected by suicide have an important role to play in the vital work that is ongoing to help prevent suicide and promote mental health and wellbeing. That is according to the Public Health Agency (PHA), which is marking International Survivors of Suicide Day (23 November).

Madeline Heaney, Regional Lead for Mental Health and Wellbeing at the PHA, explained: “People who have been bereaved by the suicide of a loved one have first-hand experience of the devastating impact that it can have on family and friends, so it is essential that they are listened to.

“The input of suicide survivors to tackling the issue of suicide and promoting mental and emotional wellbeing is essential to its success. The PHA is committed to working with suicide survivors and other key partners to help prevent suicide and provide support for those who need it.”

Michael Doherty from Families Voices Forum added: “The Families Voices Forum is an independent group of people who have been bereaved by suicide. People of all ages and every walk of life in Northern Ireland die by suicide and these deaths impact upon all of the community.

“At our recent annual meeting it was recognised that families and friends need to be at the heart of the ongoing work to deal with suicide. It is essential that the voices of those on the ground who live with the reality of suicide every day are at the fore of getting to grips with this issue.”

Support services are in place, and anyone who feels in distress or despair can ring Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 for immediate confidential help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

People can also approach their local GP in confidence to discuss any concerns they may have about their mental or emotional wellbeing.

More information on looking after your mental health and the support which is available across Northern Ireland can be found at www.mindingyourhead.info