Bath & District CRUSE Bereavement Care charity, together with Bath & North East Somerset Council, has set up a new support group for those affected by the death of someone by suicide.
The group is run by trained volunteers who themselves have been affected by suicide. Meetings will be held every third Wednesday in the month starting on 20th September 2017 at The Open House Centre, Manvers Street Baptist Church, Manvers Street, Bath, BA1 1JW.
Bereavement by suicide is a complex form of grief. The group will offer a safe place where members can talk openly about whatever it is they are feeling or grappling with.
This might include financial concerns, funeral arrangements, and the reactions of others as well as the ongoing sense of loss. People can contribute or just listen knowing that they are with others who have some personal understanding of the trauma they are going through.
Cllr Vic Pritchard (Conservative, Chew Valley South) Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health said “Access to support is vital for those who are bereaved by suicide, but often it is hard to come by. People feel very isolated but this support group can help them learn that their feelings are not unusual.
“The support group will provide a place where they can talk openly about the long and wide reaching impact of suicide while building relationships with others and sharing their true feelings and fears.”
Two information events about the new support group are being held on Thursday 24th August 6:30pm – 8:00pm and Saturday 2nd September 10:30am – 12:00pm at The Open House Centre, Manvers Street Baptist Church.
Anyone affected by suicide is invited to drop in to meet the group leaders and find out more about how the group will work. Booking is not necessary.
Members of the public who require further information can contact Bath & District CRUSE Bereavement Care on 01761 417250 or Clare Laker, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Public Health team, [email protected] / 01225 394062.
You can also access online support for bereavement by suicide from SOBS (Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide) http://uk-sobs.org.uk or call their National Helpline 0300 111 5065, available 9 am to 9pm every day.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts Samaritans are open 24/7 and provide a listening service for those who are in distress.
Calling their helpline is the quickest way to get a response – dial freephone 116 123. You can also email them ([email protected]) or visit the Bath and District Branch at 25 Windsor Castle, Upper Bristol Road, BA1 3DN.