HUGG popup bereavement cafe comes to Mullingar

The suicide bereavement charity HUGG are hosting popup bereavement cafes in Westmeath on the first Thursday of the month until December.

The first is on Thursday, October 1 (10.30-noon). The location is revealed on registration at the link on their social media or website.

The aim is to provide a safe environment for those bereaved by suicide and to offer mutual support and understanding with people who have had similar experiences. It is led by trained volunteers who also have a lived experience of suicide loss.

“Suicide bereavement can be one of life’s most isolating experiences,” said a HUGG spokesperson.

“For some people, walking into a support group can feel daunting, but our pop-up grief cafés offer a new way to connect, whether someone wants to chat, to listen, or simply sit with others who understand what they are going through.”

The charity was founded in 2017 by Fiona Tuomey after she lost her 11-year-old daughter Milly to suicide the year before. During that difficult time, Ms Tuomey found there was little to no support available to those who were bereaved due to suicide.

In 2018, on Milly’s birthday, the organisation became a registered charity. They launched their support services just last year in Athlone, where they host monthly support group meetings and now they are coming to Mullingar.

To reserve a place, email support@HUGG.ie with your name and phone number and a member of the HUGG team will be in touch. For more information about HUGG’s services for people bereaved by suicide, visit www.HUGG.ie.