The country's first suicide resource centre, aimed at providing support and services to those affected by, or at risk of suicide, has been officially opened in Tralee, Kerry.

The centre was opened by Console, the national suicide prevention and bereavement charity. According to Console CEO and founder, Paul Kelly, the charity 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," Mr Kelly explained.

Over the coming months, the charity hopes to introduce a range of services at the centre including:
-Professional suicide bereavement counseling for individuals, families and children. This will be free of charge
-Peer suicide bereavement support groups
-Suicide crisis advice and referral support for anyone supporting a loved one in crisis
-Suicide prevention and bereavement training for professionals.

Mr Kelly said Console was delighted to open the new centre in Tralee, as this will provide a ‘vital service' to the people of Kerry. The latest statistics available show that in 2011, 26 people died by suicide in Kerry and almost 300 people presented to emergency departments (EDs) following incidents of deliberate self-harm.

"Every suicide is such a devastating loss but it is important to highlight that there are many helpful services and resources that can help. In the case of suicide, the time around the inquest can be a particularly traumatic period for the bereaved families. We know in our own work that extra support or information is usually needed around this time," Mr Kelly explained.

He insisted that the provision of such services is essential, ‘especially if we want to minimise the harmful impact on others'.

"In Kerry, we hope that Console can take on a crucial role in providing some stability and a safe haven at a very chaotic and distressing time," he added.

The Tralee centre is based at the McAuley Centre in Balloonagh, Tralee.

Console also offers counseling services and a 24-hour helpline to bereaved people and those in crisis. It has full-time offices in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Wexford and also offers services in Mayo, Kildare, Athlone and parts of Dublin, including Clondalkin.

The helpline number is 1800 201 890 or more information is available at console.ie