Image: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland
A groundbreaking resource aimed at supporting children bereaved by suicide has been launched. The new, free illustrated storybook ‘Safe Harbour’, written by Patricia Forde and illustrated by visual artist Bronagh Lee, is now available for download or order. This innovative resource by the Health Service Executive (HSE) is designed to help parents and carers have difficult yet crucial conversations about suicide with their children.
Supporting Conversations Around Suicide
‘Safe Harbour’ is accompanied by a practical guide for parents and carers, titled Safe Harbour: A Helpful Guide for Parents and Carers. This guide provides practical advice on how to use the book to navigate sensitive discussions surrounding suicide with children.
Mary Butler TD, Minister for Mental Health and Older Persons, expressed her enthusiasm for the new resource, stating:
“I am delighted to officially launch ‘Safe Harbour’. This beautiful book and its accompanying guide give parents a language to talk about suicide with their child. Suicide is a major public health issue that affects many people, families, and communities. Resources such as Safe Harbour are crucial in our efforts to reduce suicide.”
Collaborative Efforts in Suicide Prevention
The launch of Safe Harbour has been endorsed by Bernard Gloster, HSE Chief Executive Officer. He acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the project, involving the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention, the Irish Childhood Bereavement Network within the Irish Hospice Foundation, and other partners. Gloster highlighted the importance of these resources in facilitating compassionate, age-appropriate conversations about suicide.
John Meehan, HSE Assistant National Director and Head of the National Office for Suicide Prevention, emphasised the critical need for such a resource.
“Over 90% of people bereaved by suicide in Ireland receive initial support from their family, friends, or community. However, discussing the death of someone by suicide with young children can be daunting. Safe Harbour offers reassurance and guidance to parents and carers during these challenging conversations.”
Empathy and Practical Guidance
Mary O’Kelly, Chief Officer of HSE Dublin South, Kildare & West Wicklow Community Healthcare, praised the book’s empathetic approach.
“The project team provided me with a copy of this book, and it stopped me in my tracks. It offers gentle and effective guidance in a profoundly empathetic way. Congratulations to all involved in this project.”
Maura Keating, National Coordinator of the Irish Childhood Bereavement Network, reiterated the need for such resources.
“We are regularly contacted by families seeking guidance for difficult conversations with children after a death by suicide. We are proud to have co-produced Safe Harbour with the HSE to provide much-needed support during one of the most challenging times a family can face.”
Accessing Safe Harbour
For more information, downloads, and accompanying audio resources, visit childhoodbereavement.ie/safeharbour. Printed copies of Safe Harbour and its guide are available by emailing [email protected].
About Safe Harbour
Safe Harbour is an illustrated storybook about a family navigating the aftermath of a suicide. It tells the story through the eyes of a child, offering a relatable and comforting narrative. The accompanying guide helps parents and carers to use the book effectively in their conversations with children.
Background and Credits
The HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention published Safe Harbour as part of its commitment to suicide bereavement support. The project was developed with input from the Irish Childhood Bereavement Network, Barnardos, HUGG (Healing Untold Grief Groups), and Pieta, including feedback from individuals with lived experience of suicide loss.
Authors and Illustrators
Patricia Forde, an award-winning children’s author, has brought her extensive experience to this project. Bronagh Lee’s illustrations add a playful yet poignant touch, creating a vivid and engaging visual experience for children.
Support and Further Information
For support, the Irish Hospice Foundation Bereavement Support Line offers a confidential space for discussion (Freephone 1800 807 077, Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm). The Samaritans also provide listening support 24/7 (Freephone 116 123). Additional advice on coping with grief is available at hse.ie/grief.
Journalists covering suicide-related issues are encouraged to refer to the Samaritans Ireland Media Guidelines for Reporting Suicide to ensure sensitive and responsible reporting.
Get Safe Harbour
Visit childhoodbereavement.ie/safeharbour for more details, downloads, and to request printed copies. This vital resource is dedicated to supporting bereaved children and families across Ireland.