Ireland's first suicide resource centre opened in Tralee

National suicide prevention and bereavement charity Console today opened Ireland’s first suicide resource centre in Tralee.

The Console Centre in Tralee will provide a broad range of community-based supports, services and resources for those affected by, or at risk of suicide.

The facility is based at the McAuley Centre, Balloonagh, Tralee, which was acquired by the charity from the Sisters of Mercy and refurbished and redeveloped with financial assistance from Kerry Group.

“We are delighted to open our new Centre in Tralee, providing a vital service to the wide community of Kerry,” said Paul Kelly, CEO and founder of Console.

“Console is tirelessly committed to responding in a comprehensive and professional way to help those who have lost loved ones to suicide and to prevent further tragedy.

“Console proposes to fully develop the centre to provide a comprehensive range of full-time services, some of which are new and unique to Console and a departure from traditional suicide bereavement-only counselling services.

“The centre will be aimed at providing resources, referral and advice to those in crisis or at risk of suicide.

“It will also provide free services to families tasked with supporting a loved one in suicidal crisis or after a suicide attempt.

“We wish to thank all those who have supported us – in particular the Kerry Group who were instrumental in providing significant funding to refurbish and develop the much-needed centre in such a short space of time.”

Launching the new Console Centre, Kerry Group CEO Stan McCarthy said: “Kerry Group is delighted to support the development of this new Console Centre in Tralee which will provide professional counselling services and 24–hour helpline support to people in crisis.”