HELP for people affected by suicide is being provided by a new service in Warwickshire.
Support after suicide provider Amparo can offer specialist help to anyone living in Coventry or Warwickshire who has been bereaved or affected by suicide in any way.
Amparo provides free emotional and practical support in a range of ways based on an individual’s needs.
This may include one-to-one individual advice, help dealing with police and coroners, dealing with media enquiries, support and guidance up to and including an inquest and help to access other local support services.
Richard Brown, who manages the Amparo service in Coventry and Warwickshire, said: “Amparo is designed to offer support to people going through something which most of us find unimaginable. The process following a suspected suicide can be lengthy and complex. Amparo’s liaison workers are able to offer expert advice and guidance to support people through this time.
“We know that those bereaved by suicide are at much higher risk of suicide themselves, so it is crucial we are able to provide immediate help and support to those bereaved. Amparo can help with a lot of the practical issues that arise when suicide is suspected or confirmed.”
Warwickshire County Council health spokeswoman Coun Margaret Bell said it was vital no one was left alone to deal with their grief.
She added: “In Warwickshire, we recognise that the grief experienced by anyone who has been affected by suicide can be incredibly difficult to process and it is so important that we can provide this specialist support through Amparo to help people through some of their most difficult times.
“It’s important to highlight that the service is not just for those who have been affected by a recent suicide, but for anyone who may have been affected at some point in the past, perhaps never processing their feelings or coming to terms with the grief at the time. Amparo can help you to find ways of coping in the weeks, months and even years after.
“We want to make sure that no one feels alone in dealing with their grief or experience of suicide and I would encourage anyone in need of support to get in touch with Amparo today.”
The service can be accessed by calling 0330 088 9255, by emailing [email protected] or through an online referral form available at amparo.org.uk/refer/
Amparo’s local liaison workers aim to make initial contact within 24 hours of a referral being made and will work with people for as long as the service is felt to be required.
Visit amparo.org.uk/our-locations/coventry-warwickshire for further details.
