We understand that if you are bereaved, you may be feeling very isolated in your grief, even if you are lucky enough to be surrounded by family and friends.
You may feel that others do not understand how you are feeling or that you do not want to 'burden' them with your thoughts and feelings. For these reasons many people find it much easier to talk to someone that they do not know. We can offer you one to one support.
We offer you a safe and confidential space to explore your thoughts and feelings about your loss and help you to find ways to manage your grief.
The Hope Group
For those bereaved by suicide
Walsall Bereavement Support Service also offers group support for anyone who is affected by a death by suicide.
The group is facilitated by trained counsellors, all members of the HOPE group, (Helping Others, through shared Personal Experiences) have experienced the death of a loved one through suicide. They all understand the emotional difficulties that can result from this tragic loss. Support is offered to members by members within an informal confidential setting, where members are able to speak freely and openly about their feelings
Although attitudes are changing slowly, unfortunately the stigma attached to suicide is still present in our society. As a result not only do those affected by the persons' suicide experience all the emotions usually associated with loss but also they may experience a feeling of being judged or feel that others believe they have failed in some way. It may also be that the person who has died is judged too, perhaps as cowardly or selfish. This can lead to isolation for those left behind as they feel that they are completely alone in their grief with no opportunity to speak of their loved one.
In addition to the above, when a person's death appears to have involved an element of personal choice, there are other questions and doubts that arise for those affected by the death.
'Why did they do it?'
'Why didn't they talk to me?'
'What if I'd only...?'
'I should have seen the signs...'
'I am to blame for this...'.
When we meet
Generally our group meets on the first Wednesday of every month and the group runs from 7.00pm – 9.00pm. However, very occasionally these dates may be subject to change. As these meetings are not held at our centre, if you are thinking of attending the group, we would advise that you check with our office beforehand to confirm the date of the next meeting.
Other support
Survivors of bereavement by suicide
'Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide' is a national charity who provided support to anyone affected by suicide. Their aims are...
'...to provide a safe, confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings, so giving and gaining support from each other...'
Their National Helpline number is 0300 111 5065, further details about the support they provide can be found at www.uksobs.org
Useful booklet
- Support after suicide website (Link to page with PDF download)
