Special remembrance for families and friends of suicide victims to take place in Cork

A charity has invited families and friends of people who lost their lives through suicide to come together to remember their loved ones at a special Christmas Celebration of Light.

The national suicide prevention and bereavement charity Console is organising an evening of song, music, poetry, and reflection at the Sacred Heart Church on Western Rd, Cork, on Sunday next at 4pm.

The evening also includes the lighting of candles and a minute’s silence, in the presence of others, to remember those who have passed away.

More than 500 people lost their lives to suicide in Ireland last year, and a number were living in the Cork area.

The event is one of nine celebrations of light being held nationwide.

“The Christmas Celebration of Light provides a gentle and understanding environment for families and friends to remember their loved ones and celebrate their lives,” said the Console founder and chief executive, Paul Kelly. “The loss of a loved one is always devastating, but when that loss is through suicide it can be so much harder for the families and friends.

“This special service is one of the most important events in the Console calendar, as it gives families and friends the opportunity to come together in solidarity to honour the lives of their loved ones.”

He founded the organisation after his sister Sharon died at the age of 21.

Everybody is welcome to the Christmas Celebration of Light and anybody who wishes to sponsor a light in memory of a loved one should contact the charity’s centre at Console House, 1A Perrott Avenue, College Rd, Cork on 021 4274218 for more information.

The charity offers counselling services and a 24-hour helpline support to people in crisis and those bereaved by suicide.

It also has offices in Dublin, Limerick, Wexford, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Athlone, and Mayo.