After a death by suicide those left behind often carry unanswered questions, stigma, self-isolation and blame, in addition to the trauma of losing their loved one. Connecting and being among others who understand this grief can be lifesaving.
Our volunteers are the reason we can provide the work that we do – and if now feels like the right time for you to join us in our mission to provide hope after suicide, we would love to welcome you into our incredible team of volunteers.
There are opportunities to join our team of volunteers as either a HUGG Champion or a HUGG Support Group Facilitator.
HUGG has supported me and given me hope following the loss of my son, Sean, to suicide. I am immensely proud that I can now offer that compassion and encouragement to others
Phyllis
HUGG Volunteer
Volunteering with HUGG has been a brilliant experience. Facilitating the support group has allowed me to use my experience in a positive way and make meaning of the tragedy I experienced. I would greatly recommend volunteering with HUGG for anyone that’s a little further along their journey of grief and feel they want to give back
Maren
HUGG Volunteer
I lost my little sister to suicide in 2018 and afterwards it felt like our world had just imploded. I went to counselling and although the sessions were professional, I just felt that the counsellor did not really understand what I was going through. Each volunteer and HUGG member has a shared experience with suicide and this is unbelievably comforting to know we can share our experiences with everyone in the group in a safe and non-judgemental space. It really has helped me to understand and believe there is hope after losing my sister to suicide.
Paul
HUGG Volunteer
Who are HUGG Support Group Facilitators?
HUGG Support Group Facilitators are trained volunteers who facilitate a support group with a second volunteer, providing a safe, non-judgmental and supportive space where people bereaved by suicide can be seen and heard in a compassionate and empathetic way. HUGG volunteers create a space for people to share their experiences and feelings and receive and offer support to each other. All HUGG Support Group Facilitators have a lived experience of suicide bereavement. This lived experience is what makes our service unique.
As you know, the path to healing after suicide bereavement is long. But it doesn’t have to be lonely. You can be the hope that people who have lost a loved one to suicide need.
If it is at least 3 years since your loss, you are over 21 and you are willing to complete online training, volunteering with HUGG is a meaningful way for you to support others whose lives have been devastated by suicide.
HUGG provide full training, mentoring support, resources for self-care, and an annual volunteer appreciation day, along with covering any vouched expenses incurred through your voluntary work.
Who are HUGG Champions?
HUGG Champions help us to raise awareness of HUGG’s work and services. You could represent HUGG at fundraising events, a cheque presentation, or lend a helping hand at a local bereavement or mental health event.
Demand for our presence at events across the country is ever-growing, so our HUGG Champions greatly assist us in spreading the message of HUGG’s services to those who may need them.
If it is at least 3 years since your loss, you are over 21 and willing to complete online training, volunteering with HUGG is a wonderful way for you to support others whose lives have been devastated by suicide.
HUGG provide full training, mentoring support, resources for self-care, an annual volunteer appreciation day, along with covering any vouched expenses incurred through your voluntary work.
Express your interest in volunteering by completing the form below and we will contact you.
Is now the right time to volunteer with HUGG?
Check out our Self-Assessment sheet to help you decide, before you apply. There are no right or wrong answers here. It’s just a guide for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Follow the steps below
We provide full training, mentoring support and resources for self-care. If you feel ready to volunteer, please complete the form below and we will contact you.
Complete our form
Fill in the expression of interest form below
Connect with
our team
Once we receive your form you will hear from a member of our team within 7 working days to chat through our volunteering opportunities.
Get to know
us better
Come and meet us online for a short introduction meeting. This will give us a chance to get to know you better and you us. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask any questions.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Complete our form
If you feel ready to volunteer, please complete the expression of interest form and we will be in contact with you.
If now is not the time for you to volunteer, you can help us reduce the stigma and shame associated with suicide by spreading the word about HUGG and the services we provide. You might also want to join a HUGG Support Group to help you on your own grief journey.
You can also fundraise or donate online here or make a donation in memory of your loved one who died by suicide by planting a flower in our virtual memory meadow. This will help us to keep our service free of charge.
support@HUGG.ie
01 513 4048 (Monitored answering machine)
