Project H.U.G.S.

Mission Statement

Established in 1987, our peer-run suicide survivor support group offers a safe place for members to share their grieving experience, to receive and provide mutual support, and to process the complexities of suicide loss with others who truly understand. We offer weekly support groups that are held in-person and through Zoom and telephone support.

Organizational Overview

Over 1.4 million people in the U.S. attempted suicide in 2018, and 48,344 of those attempts resulted in death. As staggering as those statistics may seem, the collateral damage for loved ones left battered in the wake of grief and trauma of losing a loved one to suicide is overwhelming. For each of those untimely deaths by suicide, an estimated six or more “suicide survivors” — people who lost a close loved one to suicide — are left traumatized, isolated, and stigmatized. One in ten survivors of suicide loss will attempt suicide themselves, and 80% will leave their jobs or school. Our weekly suicide loss support group offers an underserved population in Collier County and the surrounding areas grief support due to the trauma they experienced losing a loved one to suicide. Because of the complex grief issues and societal stigmatization still associated with suicide today, suicide survivors often experience increased mental health problems compared to other bereaved populations. The issues include increased suicidality, depression, PTSD, and complex grief are among some of the mental health problems commonly identified among survivors. Through our weekly peer-led support group we help survivors learn they are not alone in their feelings and to provide them with opportunities to learn and form relationships with fellow survivors to expand opportunities for problem-solving, growth, and healing. We offer survivors hope that they can and will survive.