Losing someone to suicide is a deeply painful experience, and while many find comfort in the support of friends, family, and colleagues, additional help may often be needed. The HSE, together with partner organisations, offers several free and confidential services to support individuals and families across Cavan and Monaghan.
The HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention (ROSP) provides information and signposting to bereavement supports for families, organisations, and communities. Locally, Emer Mulligan serves as the Resource Officer and can be contacted at 086 1717 563 or by email at [email protected].
The Pieta Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer (SBLO) offers emotional and practical assistance in the immediate aftermath of a suicide. This includes support for parents to help children through grief, as well as guidance in accessing therapeutic services. In Cavan and Monaghan, this role is provided by Maria McBrien, available Monday to Wednesday on 085 870 6591 or [email protected].
For those seeking professional therapy, Pieta Crisis Counselling and Suicide Bereavement Counselling Service provides one-to-one therapeutic support for people bereaved by suicide (6+ years) and for anyone over 12 years experiencing suicidal distress or self-harm. This service is free of charge and available without referral across Cavan and Monaghan. Appointments can be booked by calling 0818 111 126 or visiting www.pieta.ie. Crisis support is also available via text—send HELP to 51444.
The charity HUGG (Healing Untold Grief Groups) runs suicide bereavement support groups in both Cavan and Monaghan, meeting every second Tuesday evening. These safe, non-judgemental spaces allow people bereaved by suicide to share experiences and receive peer support, facilitated by trained volunteers with lived experience. HUGG also provides online support groups, including one for young adults aged 18–25. For more details, contact 01 513 4048, email [email protected], or visit www.HUGG.ie.
In addition, out-of-hours crisis support is available through:
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Pieta: 1800 247 247 / text HELP to 51444
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Samaritans: 116 123 / www.samaritans.ie
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Text About It: Text HELLO to 50808 / www.textaboutit.ie
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ISPCC Childline: 1800 66 66 66 / www.childline.ie
Anyone in immediate crisis should contact their GP, North East Doc on Call at 1800 777 911 (out of hours), or attend the Emergency Department at Cavan General Hospital.
These services aim to ensure that no one bereaved by suicide in Cavan or Monaghan has to face their grief alone.