Network of suicide groups set up for bereaved

A new coalition of support groups to help families following suicides was launched in Co Cork yesterday by the Minister of State for the Environment and Local Government, Mr Dan Wallace.

The National Suicide Bereavement Support Network aims to facilitate the development of local counselling and support services for families and friends of suicide victims.

There are 25 groups in 14 counties already affiliated to the network, which has been operating on an informal basis for the past three years.

The network co-ordinator, Ms Theresa Millea, said: "The idea is to have a single contact point for someone who is looking for help or support after losing a loved one to suicide."

At the launch in Youghal, Mr Wallace said the information provided by the network would help people who were finding it difficult to grieve to choose the support that would be most beneficial. He noted that suicide was now the most common cause of death among 15- to 24-yearolds, exceeding deaths from cancer and road traffic accidents. The rate of suicide has risen in recent years, particularly among men.

The network has opened an office in Killeagh, Co Cork. It plans to launch a website shortly, on which events and details of support groups throughout the country will be posted.

The network can be contacted on 024-95561 or nsbsn@eircom.net