Service of Light to support awareness around suicide

Service of Light to support awareness around suicide

2 December 2015

THERE will be a special Christmas Service of Light in Downpatrick tomorrow evening to support  those affected by suicide and depression.

The event will be hosted by suicide awareness charity PIPS in partnership with the Social Enterprise HUB in Downpatrick to mark the start of the festive season.

The service, which will begin at the HUB at 7pm, has been arranged by the charity for those who may struggle through the Christmas holiday period due to stress, bereavement or mental health problems.

The service will be held around a lit Christmas tree with those in attendance invited to write a message to place on the tree for a loved one or to write a message of hope.

Brenda McAteer, who has been running PIPS for two years, says Christmas can be very difficult for  some.

“This is about supporting bereaved families at this time of year,” she said. “It is the season where people are jolly and happy and for those experiencing depression it can be a very difficult time.

“Some people do not know how to cope or where to turn to over Christmas when GP surgeries are closed and we want to let everyone know that we are here to help.

“Although we close on Christmas day and Boxing day our phone line will still be open and we can direct people to the right services.”

Brenda took over the operation of PIPS from her mother Josephine who launched the service over 10 years ago following the death of her son Gerard to suicide.

Since Gerard’s death, and following the death of another brother due to a brain tumour a few years later, the mother and daughter partnership have worked hard to ensure there is a good local support network for those affected by suicide. 

Brenda said this is becoming increasingly needed due to a rise in the number of local deaths. She said this year had been a particularly busy one for the service.

“When we lost my brothers my mum recognised there were no support services in Downpatrick for those bereaved in that way,” said Brenda.

“CRUISE has a waiting list and that can be too long for some, whereas at PIPs we see people immediately upon referral.

“Two years ago my mum decided she needed to step back from PIPS as it was getting so busy and she could not manage it any more. She asked me if I would consider taking it over.

“We are hoping people will come along to tomorrow’s service, which is our way of showing we are there all year round and especially at Christmas when things can be particularly tough for some.”

The Christmas Service of Light will be held tomorrow at 7pm at the HUB in Downpatrick, which is in the Grove Shopping Centre.