What is Our Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service?
The SBL Officer can meet with anyone who is impacted by, and responds to the community within 8 weeks of a death by suicide.
You may want guidance or assistance in accessing other therapeutic services, or even just to talk with someone locally about what has happened. You may have specific questions about some of the difficult practical issues following a death by suicide. In some cases, there may be a specific concern about the reactions and emotions family members, friends, colleagues or people in the wider community are experiencing.
No matter what your relationship is to the person you have lost, the service is available for you. A suicide bereavement information support pack will be available to you through your SBL Officer.
The SBL Service is available in:
| Area | Liaison Officer | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Cavan / Monaghan | Kathryn McAree | 085 870 6591 |
| Cork / Kerry | Geraldine Burke | 085 870 6714 |
| Donegal | Marie Burke | 085 877 2028 |
| Galway City and County | Pauline Cahillane | 085 856 8082 |
| Kildare / West Wicklow, Dublin West, Dublin South City, Dublin South West | Karoline Szafarz | 085 870 6606 |
| Limerick / Clare / North Tipp | Jerard Enright | 085 856 8081 |
| Meath / Louth | Marian King | 085 738 0444 |
| Midlands | Bernie Carroll | 086 418 0088 |
| North Dublin | Kate O’Mahony | 085 870 6574 |
| Sligo / Leitrim | Anne Lynch | 085 253 8638 |
| Wexford / Waterford / Kilkenny / Carlow / South Tipp | Kelly Higgins | 085 807 3040 |
| Dublin South East /Dun Laoghaire / East Wicklow | Denis Sherlock | 085 870 6712 |
You can access the service by contacting your local SBLO by telephone, email, contacting our centres, or your local Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention (HSE). In addition, first responders such as members of the Gardai, Clergy, GPs or funeral directors are also actively encouraged to refer people to this service with your permission.
Some Help & Advice
What is an SBLO?
An SBLO is a Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer. They are professionally trained Pieta House therapists that are mobile. They support families and communities in the immediate aftermath of a death by suicide. Their role is to support, sign-post and connect families with service providers when needed.
Is there a difference when someone dies by suicide?
Yes, a death by suicide is a different type of grief and can often be complicated.
The loss of a loved one by suicide can cause fear to those grieving; fear of community judgement and fear of further suicides. There are unanswered questions which lead to feelings of isolation and feeling overwhelmed.
Understand that we’re here to help you through this grief, please contact us to help.
How should I feel?
You are going through an extremely difficult time right now following a death by suicide. Be kind to yourself and those around you that are navigating life following this loss. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, grief is unique and individual.
Common reactions and emotions include:
Shock, denial, disbelief
Numbness, isolation
Questioning
Anger, blame
Exhaustion, sleep disturbances, lack of appetite, physical ailments
Fear, anxiety, depression
Who should I contact to deal with the financial matters on behalf of the deceased?
You and your family, or friends, will need to eventually look after financial obligations on behalf of the deceased. This can include:
Notifying banks, credit unions, post office, or companies where shares were held
Cancel direct debits, standing orders, subscriptions or memberships
Cancel insurance policies
Contact the Department of Social protection if the deceased was in receipt of welfare payments
Notify any hire or loan companies
Contact the tax office
Change the names on utility bills or mortgage accounts
How do I explain to children what happened?
Children's way of grieving can be different from adults. Approach the young person in a safe space so they feel comfortable discussing what has happened.
Ask and understand what they know has taken place. Encourage and answer questions. Explain as honestly and as clearly in an age appropriate manner.
Allow them to express their emotions as they surface.
Ensure they comprehend that regardless of previous experiences, anything they have done or said did not cause this death.
For further help and advice see Our FAQ Section. If you are in immediate danger or a medical emergency please call Emergency Services on 112 or 999 now.