The Suicide Awareness and Support Group (West Belfast) was established by bereaved family members, as part of a community response to the increasing incidents of suicidal deaths in West Belfast . The group has now been in existence for the past 6 years and during this time has provided a self-help support group for families and individuals bereaved through suicide, in a nurturing and safe environment. The group meets on a weekly basis in a very informal setting. Sitting having a cup of tea or coffee and being able to talk with others who are experiencing the same emotions and difficulties is, we feel, very much a part of the healing process. Being able to talk openly in such a caring and non-judgemental setting makes us realise that we are not alone in our grief.
The Suicide Awareness and Support Group is there for anyone who has been affected by the loss of a loved one through Suicide, be they family members or friends. You will find comfort and support among our members together with practical advice. The group members are both male and female, young and old, recently bereaved and those who have been bereaved quite a long time. So please feel free to contact us in full confidentiality - we are there to share and to care.
We were instrumental in helping establish support groups across the city and to date we have published two booklets, “Bereaved Through Suicide” and “Reaching Out” to raise suicide awareness throughout the North of Ireland.
Our group has built contacts and established networks with other support groups in Belfast, Derry, Newry, Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, Dublin, Cork, and also with the Baton Rouge Crisis Response Centre (Louisiana U.S.A).
A number of members of our group have undertaken ASIST training and in September 2006 five of our members completed the ASIST Training for Trainers Programme which qualifys them to deliver ASIST training programmes to local communities.
During the past 6 years the main aim of the group was to play a role in the development and implementation a Suicide Prevention Strategy and we have taken part in numerous conferences and consultations on this issue and have participated in the North & West Belfast Health Action Zone Task Group on the Prevention of Suicide and Self-Harm as well as contributing to the Regional Suicide Prevention Strategy ‘Protect Life’ A Shared Vision.
