Half a Sorrow Foundation launches Survivor Support Group for those affected by suicide
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, but thanks to the Half a Sorrow Foundation, resources and hope are in abundant supply year-round. In addition to raising awareness and providing training, the nonprofit recently announced a new support group for anyone who’s been touched by suicide.
Having lost two brothers to suicide, Executive Director Dennis Gillan knows the pain of loss. He is not a therapist, but he’s helped countless people with his story and has been trained to oversee programs designed to instruct others as they interact with those who need support. Two of those trainings are SafeTalk, which can teach life-saving skills in just four hours, and SoulShop, a series of faith-based trainings. “For me, every month, every day is about awareness and prevention,” Gillan says. He notes that there is a suicide death in the United States every 10.9 minutes, and for every death, there are 25 more attempts.
The support group begins Sept. 21, with subsequent meetings at Fellowship United Methodist Faith Community, 2703 Augusta Street, on the third Thursday of each month at 7 pm. “True to the proverb that gave our organization its name, we know sharing grief can be a powerful healing tool,” Gillan says.
In addition to providing solace, Half a Sorrow aims to break the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues. “Sharing our stories—our triumphs and our sorrows—fosters a more compassionate and understanding society,” Gillan says.
For more information or to make a donation, book a speaker, or schedule training, email Gillan at dennis@halfasorrow.org or visit halfasorrow.org.
A shared joy is a double joy; a shared sorrow is half a sorrow.
—Swedish proverb
