The HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) has published its Annual Report 2025, highlighting the progress made across Ireland to reduce suicide and self-harm while strengthening supports for people, families and communities affected by suicide.
The report reflects the collaborative work of Government departments, the HSE, researchers, community organisations, NGOs and people with lived experience, all working together to improve suicide prevention and postvention services. It also highlights the HSE NOSP’s continued leadership in implementing Connecting for Life while helping shape Ireland’s next national suicide prevention strategy, Connecting for Life 2026–2035.
A Year of Progress in Suicide Prevention and Postvention
The Annual Report marks an important period of progress and collaboration across Ireland. Guided by the independent evaluation of Connecting for Life and extensive engagement with stakeholders, the report demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring the next national strategy reflects the needs of individuals, families and communities.
Key Highlights from the report include:
- Progress in implementing and evaluating Connecting for Life, alongside planning for Connecting for Life 2026–2035.
- National initiatives delivered in partnership with Government departments, the HSE, researchers, NGOs and community organisations.
- The impact of more than 20 HSE NOSP-funded NGOs providing mental health promotion, suicide prevention and suicide bereavement support across Ireland.
- The work of HSE Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention, who coordinate local suicide prevention initiatives and support communities nationwide.
Suicide Bereavement Support is an Essential Part of Suicide Prevention
The report also recognises the importance of coordinated support for people bereaved by suicide through the HSE NOSP Bereavement Workstream. Working alongside partners across Ireland, this work aims to improve the consistency, effectiveness and timeliness of suicide bereavement support.
At HUGG, we welcome this continued recognition that suicide postvention is suicide prevention. Providing timely, compassionate support to people bereaved by suicide not only reduces isolation but also helps strengthen the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
HUGG’s Contribution in 2025
HUGG is proud to be one of the organisations funded by the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention to provide peer-led suicide bereavement support across Ireland.
The Annual Report highlights several achievements from 2025, including:
- Responding to 2,665 enquiries, with more than half of callers supported to engage with a HUGG peer support group.
- Delivering 300 peer support group meetings, welcoming 235 people to a HUGG group for the first time and operating 20 groups across 15 counties.
- Contributing to national and international learning through research with the National Suicide Research Foundation and presentations at the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) World Congress.
These achievements represent just a snapshot of the work delivered during 2025. You can read more about HUGG’s impact, alongside the work of other HSE NOSP-funded organisations, in the full Annual Report.
Looking Ahead
The publication of the Annual Report marks an important milestone as Ireland prepares to introduce Connecting for Life 2026–2035, the country’s next national strategy for suicide prevention.
HUGG looks forward to continuing to work alongside the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention, statutory services, researchers, community organisations and people with lived experience to ensure everyone bereaved by suicide can access timely, compassionate support.
If you have been bereaved by suicide, HUGG is here to support you. Our free services include peer support groups, telephone support, HUGG Walks and other opportunities to connect with people who understand. Find out more about our services and how we can support you.