This is a HSE resource to guide those developing and implementing an Inter-Agency Community Response Plan for incidents of suspected suicide, particularly where there is a risk of clusters and/or contagion.
These guidelines have been developed because of the potentially devastating impact a death by suicide, or series of suicides, can have in any given community. These deaths are usually sudden, can be very traumatic and can leave individuals and groups with a wide range of difficult emotions and reactions.
A compassionate and coordinated response within the community is imperative to provide timely and appropriate bereavement support, minimise the harmful impact on others and reduce the potential for contagion elsewhere in the community. While many common practices and approaches can help in these situations it needs to be remembered that every individual, family, social and community situation is unique.
These guidelines take this into careful consideration and are designed to complement other relevant frameworks such as psychosocial structures and supports or the HSE Incident Management Framework. They are aligned with specific objectives and actions in Connecting for Life, Irelands National Strategy to Reduce Suicide and reflect many principles in Sharing the Vision, a Mental Health Policy for Everyone – which focuses on the provision of recovery-focused integrated mental health services and approaches in Ireland.
To view the full guide please click here
