Charity sets up safe space to discuss suicide

Saturday 17 November 2018

A "safe and confidential" group to share experiences of the devastating effects of suicide for bereaved friends and families has been set up by a local charity to address the lack of support on the island.

On 'International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day' today, Mind Jersey has announced the first meeting of their new 'Bereaved by Suicide' support group, which will take place between 18:00 and 19:30 on 27 November at the charity's offices at 17 Beresford Street.

Stephen McCrimmon, Carer and Family Support Manager at Mind Jersey, explained that the charity identified the need of support to those bereaved by suicide last year during a workshop.

"The outcomes from the workshop showed us a gap in support available on the island," he explained. "We agreed on a service plan that might include a support group where anyone affected by the loss of someone to suicide can meet in a safe, confidential environment and share their experiences with others who have been through similar loss."

Pictured: Mind Jersey's CEO had previously spoken out about the lack of support for those bereaved by suicide on the island.

Developed with the help of Dr Martin Knight, Director of Public Health Policy and Chair of the Prevention of Suicide Steering Group, the new support group was one of many suggestions made by people bereaved by suicide.

They also mentioned that individual peer support, which could offer assistance in practical matters such as closing bank accounts or meetings with services and agencies like Social Security, Health Services or employers, would also be helpful.

A public training session to help address the stigma often associated with suicide, which would include advice on what can be helpful and unhelpful when talking to someone bereaved by suicide, was also suggested.

Speaking after World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, Dr Knight said: “When somebody takes their own life, it is a devastating event. It is not just an individual tragedy but can be a life altering event for those bereaved and a traumatic event for the involved communities and services. The impacts are immediate and profoundly distressing as well as long lasting. Working collectively to better connect and communicate across our community can help support those protective factors that can help to avert the catastrophe of a suicide attempt.”

Pictured: The meeting will take place at Mind Jersey's office on Beresford Street.

Mr McKrimmon commented said that the new support group's aim was "to try where humanly possible to lessen the distress of those bereaved by suicide by means of group support, individual peer support, training sessions for services, agencies, schools and businesses affected by the loss of someone to suicide and to raise awareness of what might be helpful and unhelpful when talking about suicide."

"When someone’s life ends by suicide the impact can be so wide ranging from those nearest of family and friends to the GP, employers, health professionals, emergency services that may have been involved. We are delighted to now be formally offering such a service," he added.

Anyone who wishes more information can contact Stephen McCrimmon at s.mccrimmon@mindjersey.org or 07797 717767.