Counselling Help to 20 Suicidal Irish People

On the 31st October, 2017 a group of around 60 walked across the bridge to show solidarity and support to those who had lost loved ones to suicide.  A leaflet was distributed to all attending which read as follows:

'Hope Trust and friends wish to show their support  towards families, friends and colleagues who have lost loved ones to suicide.  We want to express our profound sorrow at your loss .  Whilst we know nothing can or will replace your loved one, we want you to know that you are not alone.  There are many who care about the grief and pain you are      experiencing.

Today we have walked across the Shannon River as a  gesture of  our  concern. Carrying lights which symbolise life and hope, in the belief that  out of the greatest  darkness can come light.   Your loss is our loss as well,  our community are the ‘poorer’ that your loved one is no longer with us. Whilst we take time to remember them, we remember you who are still with us. We are choosing to pray for you at this time, trusting  that God is close to the broken hearted and that He is able to comfort beyond human comfort. We desire that you experience hope for the future.

If there are those amongst us today who are struggling to hold onto life; who are in pain and feel that there is no purpose in their life, we ask you to hold on.  We ask you to try again, reach out for help.  We care about you and so does God.  He has created you with purpose for your life and He, and we, care about you'.

The walk culminated in a street drama, corporate and individual prayer and an invitation to attend a support group for those who had lost loved ones to suicide.  It was enthusiastically supported by all attending and was an encouragement of solidarity within the community.

We hope you are equally encouraged!