A new counselling and support service for families and individuals bereaved by suicide is to be launched in the Galway region next week. Console, the bereaved by suicide foundation, will launch the service next Monday, September 12th.
Founded in 2002, Console has developed into a professional organisation offering a range of services nationally.
Suicide is the most common cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds in Ireland, the highest in this age group of all 25 EU States. In 2003, 440 people died by suicide in Ireland, 21 of them in Galway.
Most of Console's professionally trained counsellors, psychologists, therapists and volunteers have themselves been bereaved by suicide and so understand the nature of the problem.
There is great demand for Console's suicide prevention programme, "Seasons for Growth", which operates in schools and colleges and helps young people to develop coping skills and never consider suicide as an option.
President Mary McAleese will this month launch the Console Youth Suicide Prevention DVD/video, which will be distributed to all schools and colleges nationally.
The Console National Conference, Suicide Bereavement - Responding in the Aftermath, will take place on Saturday, September 17th, in All Hallows College, Dublin.
Speakers will include Gareth O'Callaghan, broadcaster and author; Dr Brian Farrell, Dublin city coroner; and Dr Justin Brophy, consultant psychiatrist.
Boston Scientific in Galway has raised nearly €60,000 for Console and is continuing its fundraising for the Galway office.
The Galway premises will be at Console House, 26 Bowling Green, tel (091) 537333. Console also operates a national helpline, 1800 201890, and also offers a free counselling service.
