A group to support people affected by suicide in Halton, St Helens and Warrington will launch this spring.

Research shows that more than 50 local people lost their lives through suicide during 2009 and 2010. Now a new partnership between the NHS, the Health Improvement Team and the charity ‘Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide’ will ensure that help is available to people who would like support in dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Bereavement after suicide can be a difficult and traumatic time, but from April of this year anyone in Halton, St Helens and Warrington will be able to attend a monthly self-help group for emotional and practical support.

Over the coming weeks volunteers will be identified and trained to run the group. If you’re interested in being involved please contact Andrew Perkins – Health Improvement Specialist (Suicide Prevention) on 01744 457 297 or via Andrew.Perkins@hsthpct.nhs.uk.

Angela Samata chairs the Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide charity:

We are pleased to say that in early 2012 we are to open a group for those living in Halton, St Helens and Warrington.
Teaming up with the Health Improvement Team and NHS Halton and St Helens will really make a difference locally to those people who are bereaved following the suicide of a close family member or friend.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide offer emotional and practical support in a number of ways. These include:

• Confidential telephone helpline
• Support information
• Help by email
• Residential events
• Conferences
• And local group meetings at many locations throughout the country

Andrew Perkins specialises in suicide prevention and risk for the NHS Health Improvement Team. He said:

It’s estimated that around six people are deeply affected by each suicide that takes place. We know however that many more people are affected in some way by the tragic and sudden loss of someone they’ve loved, known or cared about.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide is a unique organisation, many of the volunteers who help run the charity have themselves been bereaved by suicide. They help provide a safe and confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings, give support and gain support from each other.

Further details about the charity can be found on the website www.uk-sobs.org.uk.

Further details about mental health and wellbeing can be found on the ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing’ page at www.healthimprovementteam.co.uk.

If you have thoughts of ending your life, contact your GP as soon as you can. If your GP’s surgery is closed when you ring, you will be directed to an out of hours doctor. Your GP will be able to discuss with you the range of support and information available.

More information can also be found on the following websites:

http://www.papyrus-uk.org/

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Suicide/Pages/Introduction.aspx

http://www.rethink.org/living_with_mental_illness/coping_in_a_crisis/suicide_self_harm/suicide/index.html

www.thecalmzone.net

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