“SOLAS” Suicide Support

In 2006, the CIOC ran an eight week educational programme for those bereaved through suicide. Following this course, participants requested that a suicide support group be established. As a result of this request CIOC established a monthly suicide support group.

In 2009, SOLAS experienced a large increase in attendance at the group. SOLAS still retains the same members of the group since it began in 2006, which is an indication of how necessary and beneficial the members find SOLAS, not only to themselves but to their families.

The group has received funding for a number of years now from the Health Service Executive (HSE), to help maintain its running. Since conception, all members who attend SOLAS support group have stated that it plays a vital part in reducing feelings of isolation and the sense of stigma attached to suicide for the following reasons:

• Meeting other survivors who have had a similar experience
• Acceptance – some survivors fear rejection if they share their real feelings with friends/family. In a support group you can express any emotion freely and safely.
• Someone listens – members can talk freely in an accepting atmosphere about their thoughts and feelings.
• Someone cares – members can help each other through difficult times such as inquests, talking about memorial cards, anniversaries, birthdays, etc.
• Rebuilds self esteem – through genuine acceptance of you and your problems.
• Supplement therapy – if one is already in some form of therapy, the group can be a valuable addition. If one is not in therapy, the group can make people aware of other mental health resources.
• Reintegration into society. Grief and stigma attached to suicide can cause survivors to withdraw – the group can help re-establish social interactions. Many of the group has established strong friendships and meet outside the support group in a social setting or attend “Living Links” or “Mother’s Prayers” together.
• Members who have attended for a number of years have been a great support to new comers.

This group is part funded by the Health Service Executive and runs one Saturday each month in the CIOC.

Johanna Treacy, Psychotherapist, facilitates this group.

Thanks to fundraising events throughout Co. Clare, one to one Counselling is now available for anyone who may feel suicidal or anyone affected by suicide.

For more information telephone (065) 6841009 or email info@cioc.ie Or Johanna Treacy can be contacted directly on (086) 0829907

Other Services

Good Grief Program

“Solas” Suicide Support

Child Counselling

Johanna Treacy, Psychotherapist