International survivors of Suicide Loss Day is being hosted for the 2nd year in Dublin by Friends of Suicide Loss (FOSL) who are based here in the capital. Also known as Survivor Day which began in America in 1999 and was introduced into Ireland last year for the first time by FOSL. The day always falls on the Saturday before Thanksgiving in America as the holiday period can be a stressful time for the suicide bereaved. Each year hundreds of events take place around the world. In 2018 371 total events took place in 20 countries. FOSL introduced its ‘’Mourning Has Broken’’ walk and events last year for the occasion. This year they will continue to host events on the 23rd of November with the same theme.
A ‘’Mourning Has Broken’’walk is arranged from the Spire in O’Connell Street to Clontarf Castle. Former Leinster and Ireland rugby star Mike Ross will lead the parade. Following which events take place in the castle with a special commemoration for the beloved departed and then a celebration for the suicide bereaved with a candlelight dinner and entertainment all evening up to 23:30 including interview with Mike Ross on Dublin City FM, raffles, draws, music, singing, karaoke, dancing , disco and a sing song Dublin style as at last year’s successful event. While the walk is free the cost of the events in the castle comes to €60.Tickets can be booked on line at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/friends-of-suicide-loss-fundraiser-tickets-75995008115 or by telephone 014927576
If you are bereaved by suicide and need support or know someone who is please contact Friends of Suicide Loss at www.fosl.ie, facebook @Friends of Suicide Loss or Twitter @foslireland. Their unique services include outreach support, one to one counselling, and specialized support groups ranging from the recently bereaved to the long term bereaved, workshops, pamphlets, literature and books for their members.
For those who are in immediate crisis after a suicide please ring emergency line 086 937 1030 or landline 01 4927576 or email foslpost@gmail.com
