Have Your Say on Ireland’s Next Suicide Reduction Policy

At HUGG, we know that the voices of those with lived experience of suicide loss are powerful. They bring insight, understanding, and real-life perspectives that can shape policies and services to better support those who need it most. That’s why we are encouraging our community to take part in the Department of Health’s public consultation on suicide reduction in Ireland.

The government is inviting members of the public—especially those with lived or living experience of suicide—to share their opinions, insights, and experiences. This is an opportunity to influence national suicide prevention efforts, highlight gaps in services, and ensure that real experiences guide future policies. The closing date for the survey is 5pm on Friday, 18 April.

Why Your Voice Matters in Suicide Prevention

HUGG believes in the power of lived experience. It is a key pillar of our mission and strategy. Those who have been directly impacted by suicide bring unique and invaluable perspectives. You understand the challenges, the gaps in support, and what truly makes a difference in the lives of those affected. By sharing your experience, you are helping to:

  • Improve suicide prevention services – Your insights can highlight areas where support is lacking or ineffective.
  • Reduce stigma and silence – Speaking openly about suicide loss helps to break down barriers and encourage compassionate, informed conversations.
  • Shape future policies – Lived experience should be at the heart of decision-making. Your voice can influence how suicide reduction strategies are designed and implemented.

How This Aligns with HUGG’s Mission and Postvention Services

At HUGG, our mission is to provide support to those bereaved by suicide. We believe that hope and healing come from connecting with others who have walked a similar path. Our vision is to ensure that no one has to navigate the pain of suicide loss alone. A critical part of that vision is amplifying the voices of those with lived experience so that services and policies are shaped by those who truly understand their impact.

HUGG’s services focus on postvention—supporting those impacted after a suicide to reduce risk and promote healing. Research has shown that those bereaved by suicide are ten times more at risk than the general population. By being there for those who have lost someone to suicide, HUGG helps to provide a compassionate space for healing while reducing the heightened risk for those affected.

Public consultations like this one are an essential step in ensuring that those most affected by suicide are not only supported but also heard. Too often, policies and services are created without input from the people who need them most. This is our chance to change that.

Key Issues to Consider When Responding

If you’re unsure what to say in your response, here are some key areas you might consider:

  • Access to support – Were you able to find the help you needed when you needed it? Were there barriers that made it difficult to access services?
  • Gaps in services – Were there missing supports that would have made a difference in your journey?
  • Peer support – Did connecting with others who had similar experiences help you? Should there be more peer support options available?
  • Stigma and awareness – How can we encourage more open and compassionate conversations about suicide loss?
  • Practical support for those bereaved by suicide – What helped you the most? What do you wish had been available?

How to Have Your Say on Suicide Reduction

Taking part is simple. You can submit your views by completing the survey at the following link: Public Consultation on Ireland’s Next Suicide Reduction Policy.

Deadline: 5pm on Friday, 18 April 2025.

Your experiences matter. Your insights matter. Your voice can help shape a better, more compassionate approach to suicide reduction in Ireland.

Spread the Word about Suicide Prevention

We encourage you to share this opportunity with others in your community who have been affected by suicide. The more voices we raise, the stronger our message will be. Together, we can ensure that those bereaved by suicide are not just supported but also listened to in shaping the future of suicide prevention and bereavement services in Ireland.

Let’s work together to create a future where no one walks this path alone.