Bereavement survey launched
Ireland’s first national survey into suicide bereavement was launched this week to coincide with World Mental Health Day.
Researchers at the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF) in Cork are inviting anyone impacted by the suicide of someone they know to take part in the study.
The NSRF launched to survey on Tuesday in collaboration with suicide bereavement charity HUGG (Healing Untold Grief Groups).
People impacted by suicide bereavement will be asked to share their experiences, including any services and supports they may have accessed.
The research aims to provide a national profile of the impact of suicide bereavement and the needs of the estimated 60,000 people impacted by suicide every year in Ireland.
The research team is comprised of researchers from the NSRF and School of Public Health, UCC, led by Dr Eve Griffin.
As well as understanding the emotional and physical impact of suicide bereavement, researchers are seeking to identify gaps and barriers to accessing appropriate supports for those affected.
Approximately 500 suicides are recorded in Ireland annually, according to the Central Statistics Office. It is estimated that six family members and up to 135 individuals may be affected by every suicide death.
Dr Griffin said the voices of those with lived experience of suicide bereavement are all too often missing from research.
She added: “Their stories are vital in improving how we understand and respond with appropriate supports and services. The impacts of suicide can be wide reaching, and for this reason, we are inviting anyone who has been affected by suicide to consider taking part,” she said.
The NSRF’s partner for the project, HUGG, was founded by its CEO Fiona Tuomey following the death of her 11 year old daughter Milly by suicide in 2016.
“There are tens of thousands of people in Ireland who have lost a loved one to suicide or been affected by a suicide. It is not easy to talk about but it is by sharing our experiences that real learning and change can happen,” said Ms Tuomey.
The survey is now available on hugg.ie/suicide-bereavement-survey.