An appeal to priests to take part in a survey on suicide

This issue was raised at the recent ACP AGM by Leadership team member Tim Hazelwood.

Faith Leaders as Suicide Responders – UCC/National Office for Suicide Prevention seek a Survey assistance from priests who attended suicides

Dr Seán Kelleher, Director PGD Intensive Care Nursing: Director BSc. Nursing Studies, UCC writes:

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to seek your support in the dissemination of a research study aimed at exploring the experiences and training needs of those who are first to attend the scene of a suspected suicide. This study is being funded by the National Office of Suicide Prevention and is being conducted by the School of Nursing and Midwifery at University College Cork, under the leadership of Dr Áine O’Donovan,  Dr Johnny Goodwin and myself, Dr Seán Kelleher.

Responding to a suspected suicide can be an especially challenging experience for First Responders and Faith Leaders. Research shows that these experiences are often unrecognized in the workplace, with few opportunities to debrief.  Consequently, many First Responders and Faith Leaders find themselves “suffering in silence”, which underscores the need for research into their experiences.

First Responders and Faith Leaders also play a crucial role in suicide postvention i.e. activities that support survivors and prevent further negative outcomes. However, many report uncertainty about how to respond to those bereaved by suicide, often due to a lack of formal training in postvention. It is vital that these professionals receive the appropriate training and support, based on their perceived needs.

Our research seeks to address the following questions:

  • What are First Responders’ and Faith Leaders’ knowledge of, and attitudes toward, suicide, as well as their understanding of postvention?
  • What are their experiences of attending the scene of a suspected suicide?
  • What are their training needs regarding suicide response and postvention?

The results of this study will provide valuable insights and help ensure that adequate support and training are available for First Responders and Faith Leaders and will be used to inform a national training programme for those who are first on the scene of a suspected suicide. We would greatly appreciate your support in this important research and thank you for taking the time to consider this request.

If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to the possibility of working together. 

Warm regards,

Seán Kelleher

The survey link: https://ucc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Iwjm0BaHf4SHWK

 Dr. Seán Kelleher DN, MSc, PGDCIC, PGDTL, BSC. (Hons), RGN 

Director PGD Intensive Care Nursing: Director BSc. Nursing Studies

Rm. 3.27, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, UCC, Cork, Ireland.  

s.kelleher@ucc.ie : http://research.ucc.ie/profiles/C014/skelleher :

Tel: 00353 21 4901477 

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