Console and ESB ElectricAID Ireland

In 2007 there were 500 deaths registered as suicides in the Republic of Ireland. Each of these represents a tragic loss of life which impacts heavily on the deceased person's family, friends, colleagues and community. A recent report commissioned by the National Office for Suicide Prevention has conservatively estimated that four people shall experience complicated reactions as a result of the death, six shall be impacted severely, 10 moderately and 50 at a basic level. Such an estimate tells us that in 2007 alone there were up to 28,630 people within our communities affected through death by suicide. This may represent up to 280,000 people over the past 10 years.

When one or all of these emotional psychological reactions are having a significant impact on your ability to carry on with your life in the context of being bereaved you should seek help to deal with the bereavement, where appropriate.

Console is a registered charity founded by Paul Kelly, in 2002. Console is a professional counselling organisation dedicated to responding to the needs of those bereaved through suicide. All Console's counsellors and psychotherapist's are highly skilled, qualified, accredited and supervised. The organisation is also supported in its work by an International Reference Group which includes some of the world's leading experts in the field of Suicidology.

ESB ElectricAID Ireland has funded the development of Console services nationally including the provision of a National Freephone Helpline 1800 201 890, Individual and Family Counselling, Therapy and Support Groups, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Services They have also supported the provision of Publications, Literature and practical information for those in need, as well as hosting training workshops.

These services are available through the already established centres in Dublin, Limerick, Waterford, Wexford and Galway. Other centres are currently under development in new locations.

The reality is, without the financial support from ESB ElectricAID Ireland, Console would not be in a position to provide the range of professional services for those bereaved through suicide and those who are suicidal in our communities throughout Ireland.

Paul Kelly
Founder, Console

Should you wish to find out more about Console visit our web site at www.console.ie. Should you wish to contact us for support or information please call us at 1800 201 890.