The service is a single point of contact providing practical support to individuals, families and others bereaved and affected by suicide. It can also refer on to other appropriate services. Referrals are initially received from the Police via The Thrive Hub database.
An initial contact is made with the bereaved to offer:
- 1:1 support
- provision of relevant information including Help is at Hand booklet
- signposting to bereavement support organisations, peer support groups and/ or mental health services for counselling/support
- an offer of advocacy and liaison support during inquests or related meetings that may be part of the process following the suicide
- long-term support to contacts with the service, working closely with existing bereavement services and other agencies to support individuals and families
The service has two Suicide Postvention Officers in NW London and one officer in SW London.
Suicide Bereavement Counsellor
As part of BWW Mind’s development of Suicide Bereavement Support Service, we have added a clinical post of SW London Suicide Bereavement Counsellor to the team adding to the existing social, emotional, and practical support provision. The counsellor will provide short term counselling interventions for people who have been bereaved through suicide.
Peer Support Group
Our new peer support meets fortnightly (Wednesdays) made up of men and women with shared living experiences. These peer-to-peer groups currently meet online. It is hoped to meet in person later in the year. This support group compromises of people who share common experiences and problems associated with bereavement through suicide. In the peer group, members have a free and safe space where they can talk to peer specialists about their lives to a group of people. This gives you a good chance of getting valuable insight, references, and help through first hand experiences.
Resources
- Samaritans on 116 123
- Texting SHOUT to 85258.
- Call your local NHS Mental health team on 0800 328 4444.
- Support After Suicide
- Cruse Bereavment Care
- Child Bereavement UK
- Winston’s Wish
- Zero Suicide Alliance