People who have experienced the loss of someone close due to suicide are invited to a series of free suicide bereavement group programmes being run across Cork and Kerry. The bereavement support groups which are facilitated by Console counsellors in partnership with the HSE South will run for eight consecutive weeks, and those interested in attending are very welcome to come along to the introductory group at any of the locations. The initiative is funded by HSE South who work closely with the national suicide prevention and bereavement charity Console and both hope to provide more courses in the second half of 2013. “We are delighted to have formed a close working relationship with HSE South in order that we can provide new and accessible supports, information and services to the Cork & Kerry region,” said Paul Kelly, CEO and founder of Console. “We look forward to developing this relationship in coming months and years, and to responding to the needs of the communities as best we can.” Gretta Crowley, Operations Manager with the HSE South with responsibility for Mental Health said: “These groups offer people bereaved by suicide an opportunity to come together, share information and experiences and thereby gain support from each other. “As the needs of those bereaved by suicide grow, we believe that it is pertinent to increase its service provision to those bereaved by suicide”. For more information on the suicide bereavement group programmes, or to book a space, contact Console in Cork on 021 4274218 or e-mail info@console.ie *Bereavement Support Groups:* *College Road, Cork*: Console Offices, 1A Perrott Avenue – Wed January 23 at 7pm. *Churchfield: *Community Trust, 107/109 Knockfree Avenue, Churchfield, Cork – Tues April 9 at 4pm. *Charleville:* McAuley House, Main Street, Charleville, Co Cork – Tues February 12th at 4pm. *Fermoy:* Accord, St Coleman’s Hill, Fermoy – Wed March 20 at 7pm. *Bantry:* West Cork Development Partnership, Main Street, Bantry – Wed May 15 at 7pm. *Tralee:* Console Offices, McAuley Centre, Balloonagh, Tralee – Tues June 4 at 4pm.
