Campaign to help suicide bereaved

A campaign to provide help and counselling to people bereaved by suicide was launched today.

The Snowdrop Campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for Console, which provides a specific form of counselling for those mourning a loved one who took their own life.

The charity for the suicide bereaved aims to alleviate the tragic effects of suicide around the country.

Its national fundraising initiative begins on Thursday, with charity snowdrop pins which illustrate a symbol of hope going on sale nationwide for €3.

More people die by suicide than from road traffic accidents in Ireland each year, with an average 500 suicides per annum. The organisation believes very few residents have not been affected by a tragedy, with the knock on effect of each suicide having a serious impact on at least six people.

It said it needs to raise vital funds to provide the very specific type of suicide bereavement counselling services that are unique to this form of bereavement. The campaign also aims to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with suicide in Ireland.

Paul Kelly, from Console, said over the last few decades, and in particular since the decriminalisation of suicide in Ireland just 15 years ago, society has become much more understanding and informed about suicide.

However, he stressed there was still a long way to go in terms of letting people know that there is help out there and encouraging them to get it. "Very few people who take their lives actually want to die," he said. "They just can't bear the pain and if they would just pick up the phone and call ourselves or other organisations like Aware or the Samaritans, they could find a lot of help and support."

The campaign was launched by Miss Universe Ireland finalist, 22-year-old Louise Kavanagh. The snowdrop pins will be sold in major retailers around the country until mid April.