Safe Harbour is an illustrated storybook developed by bereavement experts, including professionals and people with lived experience, to support children who have been bereaved by suicide. The book encourages gentle conversations, helping children to develop their understanding of death, suicide, and the emotions that follow.
The story is told from the perspective of a young child whose parent has died by suicide. Two versions are available:
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Book A – the child’s father dies
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Book B – the child’s mother dies
Both books are accompanied by Safe Harbour: A Helpful Guide for Parents and Carers, which offers advice on how to approach difficult conversations with children. Irish-language versions are also available.
In addition to the printed storybooks, families and professionals can access a wide range of supporting materials, including an audiobook, podcast, worksheets, and other resources. These can be downloaded from the Childhood Bereavement Network.
If you are based in Ireland and supporting a child bereaved by suicide, you can request a free printed copy of Safe Harbour and the guide through the HSE. More information on grief and bereavement supports is available at www.hse.ie/grief.
Written by Patricia Forde and illustrated by Bronagh Lee.
Developed by the National Office for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the Irish Childhood Bereavement Network.