“HUGG has supported me and given me hope following the loss of my son, Sean to suicide.   I am immensely proud that I can now offer that compassion and encouragement to others”

Phyllis, HUGG Volunteer

Are you willing to help others who are also bereaved by suicide?

After a death by suicide those left behind often carry unanswered questions, stigma, self-isolation and blame, in addition to the trauma of losing their loved one. Connecting and being among others who understand this grief can be lifesaving. HUGG Suicide Bereavement Support Groups provide a free, non-judgemental, and safe space where people bereaved by suicide can share their experiences and feelings and receive and offer support to each other. All HUGG Support Groups are led by trained volunteers with lived experience of suicide loss.

If you are at least 3 years on from your loss and over 21, volunteering with HUGG is a wonderful way for you to support others whose lives have been devastated by suicide.  As you know, the path to healing after suicide bereavement is long. But it doesn’t have to be lonely. 

You can be the hope that people who have lost a loved one to suicide need.

Volunteers are the reason we can provide the work that we do, and if now feels like the right time for you to join us in our mission to provide hope after suicide, we would love to welcome you into our incredible family of volunteers.

There are opportunities to join our team of volunteers as either a HUGG Champion or a HUGG Support Group Facilitator. 

HUGG Champions help us to raise awareness of HUGG’s work and services. You could represent HUGG at fundraising events, cheque presentations, or lend a helping hand at various other mental health and bereavement events.

HUGG Support Group Facilitators lead a support group along with a second volunteer, providing a space where those bereaved by suicide can be seen and heard in a compassionate, empathetic and supportive way.

HUGG provides full training, resources, ongoing mentoring support and self-care opportunities. As well as vouched expenses and an invitation to our annual volunteer appreciation event. 

Read our self-assessment sheet to see if now is the right time for you to volunteer. PDF There are no right or wrong answers here. It's just a guide for you.

If you are ready to volunteer, please complete the form below, and we will contact you.

You might also like to join us at our online Volunteer Information Session to find out more about what’s involved in volunteering with HUGG. You will have an opportunity to meet the team and ask any questions you might have.  Email volunteer@hugg.ie for details.