BEREAVEMENT support groups for those who have lost loved ones through suicide have been launched across Warwickshire.
Mental health and wellbeing charity Kaleidopscope Plus Group is working with Warwickshire County Council to deliver a Suicide Bereavement Support Service to all five districts in the county.
The specialist service aims to help people cope with their loss and find support from others who have experienced a similar situation.
The latest recorded number of suicides in Warwickshire between 2014 and 2016 is 182, a number which has steadily risen over the years.
Coordinator Alan Savill said: “Having lost a son to suicide I know how the grief path is so unlike any other death, and it can be debilitating and cause other issues after such a tragedy.
“It is an exciting time for Warwickshire to be the first county in the UK to have support services in each of its five boroughs.
“People who have been affected by suicide can attend sessions safe in the knowledge that they can have confidential group chats with those who have been through the same feelings as them.”
And Warwickshire Samaritans volunteer Virginia von Malachowski said the charity was pleased to welcome the new support group.
She added: “It’s such an important addition to the support people require at such a devastating time.
“Having someone to talk to at difficult times can mean the person feels less alone and more able to deal with difficult thoughts, reflect and move on.
“While our key focus is on suicide prevention, support in the event of suicide is equally important.
“We also have volunteers who are part of National Network Rail who offer immediate support in the event of a suspected suicide on the railways or in a school or college.
“Suicide is complex, the decision to take your own life is often really difficult to accept or understand to loved ones who are left behind. Kaleidoscope’s support group offers opportunities to talk, get support and look at how those touched by a suicide might move forward.”
Sessions in Warwick start on July 23 from 2pm to 5pm in the Quakers meeting hall on the High Street.
Visit www.kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk for more information.
And visit www.samaritans.org to find out more about Samaritans.
