The Western Trust and the Public Health Agency (PHA) are holding an information evening for anyone impacted by suicide in the City Hotel, Derry on Thursday, 11 September from 7.00 to 8.30pm.
Guest speaker will be Dr Myfanwy Maple, Associate Professor in the School of Health at the University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.
Dr Maple’s research focuses on the experience and needs of those who have experienced the suicide death of a loved one, with several active projects examining aspects of this experience with a variety of populations and sub-groups.
Dr Mapble’s has contributed to informing the broader community about suicide, suicide bereavement and postvention and is one of Australia’s few internationally recognised experts in suicide bereavement.
The evening will also offer an opportunity for members of the public to learn about the range of services provided for those bereaved by suicide including information about the various Bereaved by Suicide Support Groups available in the Western Trust area.
Barry McGale, Suicide Liaison Officer for the Western Trust and Co-Facilitator of one of the support groups said: “We recognise how devastating a death by suicide can be but this is a unique opportunity to learn from Dr Maple’s research and how people in various parts of the world have benefited from sharing their grief. Grief associated with bereavement by suicide is unique.
“The coming together of those similarly bereaved, regardless of when the death occurred, can provide the opportunity to be with other people who can really understand.
“They have been through the same experience and can offer the opportunity to gain strength and understanding from the individuals within the group.
“When someone dies by suicide many people are affected; families, friends and work colleagues, but all too often no one gets the opportunity to talk about how they feel.
“The journey for those left behind after the loss of a loved one can be excruciatingly painful, devastating and traumatic. Many people who have been bereaved in this way have asked if a support group is available. Evidence shows that support groups are a powerful and constructive way for people to help both themselves and others.”
Tags:
