Suicide support group opens doors in Granard

Midlands Living Links are planning to run an eight-week bereavement support group in Granard to assist families affected by suicide, with an introduction night regarding the setting up of the group held yesterday, Tuesday, at the Lus na Greine Family Resource Centre.

“We were aware that there have been a few deaths in the Longford area, and Granard in particular,” said Audrey Waters of Midlands Living Links, who also explained that the group is there “if you have had the experience of losing a loved one to suicide and would like to connect with others who have gone through the same experience. The eight-week programme is structured to meet the needs of individuals, family, and friends.”

Ms Waters indicated that the support group will focus on the Longford town area once it has concluded its work in Granard.

Since its establishment in 2002, the group has relied on fundraising to carry out the majority of its work, although it receives a small amount of funding from the HSE, who also allow Midlands Living Links to use facilities at some of its health centres. In addition to support groups, the charity

also runs an outreach support programme, a three-day course which provides the training necessary to provide suicide support.

Ms Waters said that in addition to the exisiting services it provides, the organisation is now branching out into another area: “Another service we are starting to provide is a presence at coroners courts, where we will be on hand to help families affected by sucide as they get through a very difficult time.”

Anyone who would like to learn more about Midlands Living Links and the services it provides can call Bernie on 086 1600641 or Audrey on 086 8511222. Information is also available by logging onto the charity’s website at www.livinglinks.ie.