Suicide in the Farming Community, a free webinar for those impacted

HUGG, Ireland’s national suicide bereavement charity, and Embrace FARM, the bereaved and injured farm family support network, are coming together to deliver a free webinar on Tuesday, 28th November 7.30 pm.

This will be a live event, and anyone connected to the farming community who has been affected by suicide, regardless of when their loss has occurred is welcome to connect with us. This online event will be the first of its kind in Ireland. It will bring together HUGG's evidence-based knowledge of suicide bereavement and the voice of those with lived experience of suicide loss, coupled with the practical and emotional supports offered by the Embrace FARM network. 

The keynote speaker on the night will be Liz Gleeson, Psychotherapist, Lecturer and Grief and Loss Specialist, whose podcast ‘Shapes of Grief’ has found its way onto recommended resources in Universities and Colleges internationally as a resource for grief education. Liz has also developed the award-winning Shapes of Grief Training Programme, the only programme that features contributions from Grief Experts worldwide. Attendees will also hear the personal story of a farmer who is bereaved by suicide. He will share his own story of how suicide has impacted him and his family and what has helped him to move forward. 
 
Commenting how suicide has left so many farm families dealing with grief and unsure who or where to turn to for support, Norma Rohan, Co-Founder of Embrace FARM said “There is a sad reality that is becoming commonplace in our farming communities. Death by suicide is affecting more farm families, and for us at Embrace FARM, we are working with many farm families who are dealing with the pain of this loss. This webinar will not only remind those in our community of the supports we offer but will also address the stigma surrounding suicide that is still so prevalent to those seeking help”.   

Fiona Tuomey, Founder and CEO of HUGG, lost her daughter, Milly, to suicide in 2016. Fiona understands only too well the reality of what is facing many families following a suicide. ‘’Sadly, suicides in the farming community are a reality. Rural isolation, stigma, and overwhelming grief, in addition to managing ongoing farming issues, can prevent those left behind from getting information and support. We want to change this and connect with this unique group of people living with suicide loss.”  
  
HUGG and Embrace FARM are part of the Local Bereavement Networks supported by the Irish Hospice Foundation.  The event will run for approximately 1 hour.  Spaces are limited, so attendees are asked to register in advance.  Details provided to register will be confidential and only used to secure your place at the webinar.  Only those presenting will be visible on screen. To register for this webinar visit https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/suicide-in-the-farming-community-tickets-744460871507.