Welcome to the National Suicide Bereavement Support Network Website

Since the setting up of this network in 1998 there has been an increase in the number of Support Groups
around the country North and South. This is a very positive development and it shows to some degree that
the awful stigma that has heretofore surrounded suicide is beginning to lift. This can be seen in the number of people who now feel that they can come forward and say they have been bereaved by suicide and not feel  that they are in some way "strange" and get the support they need.

This is due in no small way to the work of so many ordinary people who, every day without any fanfare reach out, listen and befriend. These are the Volunteers many of them in full time jobs, bringing their knowledge with them not only into the workplace thereby expanding their area of help and support but so often, giving of their own private time whenever they are needed, to give support to others.

In the early days of the Network we had a great number of calls and emails looking for support. Now all the information needed can be got from a visit to the website which is updated regularly. For this reason the
website will be maintained in future merely as a reference point. All support group listings contain contact
information, all statutory bodies listed in the links page also have contact information.

You are cordially invited to visit our pages, I'm sure you will find them very informative.

Although the number of young male suicides is still high there has been an increase in the number of female suicides both teenage and in older age groups.

These are not just numbers, each suicide death is a life lost.

Each leaves behind family and friends confused hurt and racked with emotional pain.

Every suicide death whatever the cause is a social tragedy.

For the person who takes their own life their problem is ended but the family have to pick up the pieces and try to make sense of what is probably the most traumatic event that has ever happened to them. 

Contact with others who have had the same experience can be both comforting and encouraging.

We must encourage each other to Celebrate the Wonderful Gift of Life.

Sadly many people in our communities suffer from some form of depression and are not fully able to enjoy this wonderful gift. Be kind to them and have patience.

They are not miresable, they are ill, confused and hurting, and often lonely. Share a word and a smile with them. 

You might be the only person he or she will meet today.