A new support group has been set up for young adults affected by suicide. Isabella De Luca reports…
A specialised support group for young adults affected by suicide has been launched in Galway by suicide prevention and bereavement charity Console.
The group will meet in the Console Centre in Renmore, Galway from the end of March and will be open to anyone aged 18-30 who has been affected by suicide.
Attending this support group is a way for young adults to meet others who have been touched by suicide, share experiences and concerns, and learn from each other’s coping skills.
It will be facilitated by professional Console counsellors, who will help attendees to share a safe path through their loss and build on their own levels of health and resilience.
The group is free of charge, and would be most helpful for any young person who has lost a family member, friend or someone close to suicide.
“Suicide has become a difficult and challenging issue for younger people in the West and we are delighted to introduce this new support to our existing portfolio of services in Galway,” said Console founder and CEO Paul Kelly.
“Whilst we run successful support groups nationwide […] we have found that young adults find it easier to talk openly among their peers and through addressing their issues in such an environment, young people connect with each other and find an easier pathway to dealing with their bereavement,” he added.
Mr Kelly went on to say; “We are confident that Galway will be the first link in what will prove to be a nationwide support network for young adults, bringing healing to those who have been so harshly touched by loss.”
Launching the new service, Mayor of Galway Cllr Terry O’Flaherty said; “Console do fantastic work in Galway, and across the country, and the more that the organisation highlights this issue, the better. Young people are not inclined to talk about their issues, which is why this service is so important.”
Console also offers free counselling services and a 24-hour helpline (1800 201 890). Those interested in attending the group, or finding out more information, can contact Console House in Galway on 091 – 769942 or visit their website www.console.ie.
Photo via the Galway Independent.
