Suicide bereavement support to be more widely available

The government has announced that personalised bereavement support will be available on the NHS in England to care for people after a relative or friend’s suicide.

The Department of Health and Social Care says that the plans mean anyone affected by a family member or friend taking their own life will have access to practical and emotional support in the days and months following their death.

As such, 10 areas are will benefit from the £1,082,000 fund, with support ranging from one-to-one sessions with trained volunteers or counsellors, group support, or signposting to specialist mental health services. The tailored help will be implemented in every region across the country by 2023 to 2024, as part of a commitment set out in the NHS Long Term Plan.

Nadine Dorries, Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, said: “When a loved one takes their own life, those left behind can suffer indescribable pain and grief – something I have experienced first-hand. Every suicide is a tragedy, which is why I am determined to tackle its root causes. But it is also important to support those coming to terms with a loss, ensuring they have access to the right types of sensitive support. This funding is part of our wider commitment in the NHS Long Term Plan to implement designated suicide bereavement care – making a real difference to people’s lives.”

The 10 areas receiving funding are: North Cumbria – £256,000; Derbyshire – £71,000; West Yorkshire and Harrogate – £173,000; Nottinghamshire – £63,000; Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland – £64,000; North Central London – £87,000; North West London – £113,000; South West London – £69,000; Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire West – £98,000; and Devon – £88,000.