Information sessions on suicide prevention for churches

Churches across Northern Ireland are being invited to take part in information sessions hosted by suicide prevention group Flourish! in the coming months.

Flourish! is a partnership between Lighthouse  and clergy from across the Christian churches in Northern Ireland. The initiative has the support of the leaders of the four larger churches in Ireland and has been developed in partnership with and supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA).

“Flourish! aims to support churches to develop a focussed and shared approach to addressing the needs of people affected by suicide,” said Gabrielle Rawashdeh, Senior Health and Wellbeing Improvement Officer with the PHA.

“The Flourish! group has developed training and good practice guidelines for clergy, church leaders and pastoral teams. The partnership works to raise awareness of suicide prevention and support services through churches.”

Jo Murphy, Co-ordinator at Lighthouse, said the information sessions for churches are a chance to raise awareness of the support that Flourish! can provide to churches.

“We would like to invite clergy, church youth workers, church lay leaders, lay pastoral workers and other church staff from all churches to attend the Flourish! information sessions.
“We are keen to introduce the initiative and to hear their feedback on the materials developed to support churches.”

Information sessions will take place on 26 October in Ballymena, 9 November in Downpatrick, 16 November in Newry, 23 November in Omagh, and 30 November in Belfast.

To register your place, please visit www.wewillflourish.com