This World Suicide Prevention Day, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight are proud to stand alongside Cruse Bereavement Support in encouraging open, honest conversations about suicide.
Cruse Bereavement Support offers a ‘support after suicide’ service, ensuring that those grieving after death by suicide are not left to cope alone.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for people under 35 in the UK, and every year more than 5,000 people lose their lives to suicide. For every death, many more are deeply affected – friends, colleagues, neighbours and loved ones coping with grief and unanswered questions.
Lesley Rose, Suicide Liaison Manager at Cruse, explained: “Our aim is to provide immediate, tailored support at one of the most devastating times in people’s lives.”
“Early intervention can make a real difference in helping families navigate the shock, trauma and grief that follows a suicide.”
The service is delivered by trained Bereavement Suicide Liaison Workers, Bereavement Volunteers and a Children and Young People’s Counsellor. It offers free confidential one-to-one support for adults, children and young people, help with practical arrangements and guidance through inquests. There are also group sessions where people can connect with others who understand their experience of grief by suicide.
Cruse Bereavement Support is the leading national charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The introduction of this service across the region is funded by NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight and strengthens the local response to suicide bereavement and ensures no family has to face this loss alone.
Sonya McLean, Strategic Lead for Acute and Crisis Care at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: "Suicide is one of the hardest things to talk about, but talking is exactly what we need to do. Silence fuels stigma, and stigma stops people from reaching out when they need connection and hope the most.
“Losing a loved one to suicide can feel difficult to navigate and no one should face grief alone. Together with Cruse, we want to break down barriers and let people know, you are not alone, support is always here."
By working together, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and Cruse Bereavement Support, will work to:
- Create safe spaces where people feel able to share their struggles.
- Provide compassionate support to those bereaved by suicide.
- Equip communities with the confidence to talk about suicide openly and safely.
Talking about suicide saves lives. One conversation can make the difference between despair and hope, isolation and support.
To access support or make a referral through the website visit supportaftersuicideship.org.uk, email supportaftersuicideSHIP@cruse.org.uk or call 03305 550129.