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

HUGG, Ireland’s national suicide charity, and Embrace FARM, the support network for bereaved and injured farming families, are coming together to offer a free webinar on Tuesday 28 November at 7.30pm.

This will be a live event, and anyone connected to the farming community who has been impacted by suicide, regardless of when their loss 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 voices of those who have experienced suicide loss, coupled with the practical and emotional supports offered by the Embrace FARM network.

The evening’s keynote speaker will be Liz Gleeson, psychotherapist, speaker and grief and loss specialist, whose podcast ‘Shapes of Grief’ has found its way into recommended resources at universities and colleges around the world as a resource for grief education. Liz also developed the award-winning Shapes of Grief training program, the only program that features contributions from grief experts from around the world. Participants will also hear the personal story of a farmer bereaved by suicide. He will share his own story about the impact suicide had on him and his family and what helped him move forward.

Commenting on how suicide has left so many farming families grieving and not knowing who or where to turn for help, Norma Rohan, co-founder of Embrace FARM said: “There is a sad reality that is becoming common in our agricultural communities. Deaths by suicide are affecting more farm families, and at Embrace FARM we work with many farm families who are dealing with the pain of this loss. This webinar will not only remind members of our community of the supports we offer, but will also address the stigma surrounding suicide that is still so prevalent among those seeking help.

Fiona Tuomey, founder and CEO of HUGG, lost her daughter Milly to suicide in 2016. Fiona understands all too well the reality many families face after suicide. “Unfortunately, suicides in the agricultural sector are a reality. Rural isolation, stigma and overwhelming grief, in addition to dealing with ongoing agricultural problems, can prevent those left behind from obtaining information and support. We want to change that and connect with this unique group of people living with suicide loss.
 
HUGG and Embrace FARM are part of local bereavement networks supported by the Irish Hospice Foundation. The event will last approximately 1 hour. Places are limited, so participants are asked to register in advance. The details provided to register will be confidential and used only to guarantee your place at the webinar. Only people presenting will be visible on screen. To register for this webinar, visit https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/suicide-in-the-farming-community-tickets-744460871507.