The North West Bereaved by Suicide Support Group and Roe Valley Bereaved by Suicide Group will hold their annual “Memory Tree of Lights” ceremonies next.
The Derry ceremony will take place on Sunday week 8 December at 5.30pm at the Foyle Search and Rescue Headquarters on Victoria Road while the Limavady event will be held on Tuesday 17 December at 7.30pm in the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in the town.
These events – being supported by the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Be Safe Be Well and The Big Lottery – are held to remember loved ones lost to suicide and to support family and friends during the holiday season, which can be an especially difficult time.
A simultaneous event is being held in Newfoundland, Canada with a bereavement group that has developed links with the North West.
The simple ceremonies will involve members of the Support Group reading some poetry and prayers, which have particular significance to them with music provided by the Long Tower Choir in Derry and the Salvation Army choir in Limavady.
Family and friends will be invited to take part in a candlelight ceremony and to leave a message to their loved one on the Christmas tree.
Barry McGale, suicide liaison officer for the Western Trust and facilitator for the groups said: “We recognise how devastating a death by suicide can be but we believe by coming together with others bereaved by suicide can offer hope and support.
“When someone dies by suicide many people are affected; families, friends and work colleagues, but all too often no one gets the opportunity to talk about how they feel.
“The journey for those left behind after the loss of a loved one can be excruciatingly painful, devastating and traumatic.
“Many people who have been bereaved in this way have asked if a support group is available.
“Evidence shows that support groups are a powerful and constructive way for people to help both themselves and others.”
“Grief associated with bereavement by suicide is unique. The coming together of those similarly bereaved, regardless of when the death occurred, can provide the opportunity to be with other people who can really understand.
Mr McGale concluded: “They have been through the same experience and can offer the opportunity to gain strength and understanding from the individuals within the group.”
The event originated in the USA and has been replicated throughout the Island of Ireland with towns and communities affected by suicide.
The North West Bereaved by Suicide Support Group meet on the first and third Monday of the month in Foyle Search and Rescue Headquarters at 7.30pm and the Roe Valley Bereaved by Suicide Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month in the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre at 7.30pm.
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