Losing someone by suicide is often unlike other bereavements. However well-meaning those around you are, it can sometimes feel like they just don’t get it. Some of the following may help you to cope with how you are feeling:

  • Samaritans offer general support if you feel you are struggling.
  • The Good Grief Trust have a sudden bereavement helpline 0800 2600 400 available 10.00 to 16.00 hours Monday to Friday. Their website also provides a comprehensive list of other help lines, tailors advice based on various groups and there is an automatic translation option for those people whose first language is not English.
  • SOBS (Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide)  offer telephone or email support and have a number of support groups nationwide. Their website has some useful links and the option to sign up to a self help online forum.
  • Support After Suicide offers practical guidance on coping in the immediate aftermath, explains how suicide affects those bereaved and others, and how you may help, including this useful guide on how to support someone bereaved by suicide. The website also provides specific information for schools and parents.
  • Amparo  is available in some areas and supports anyone who has been affected by a suicide. It provides one to one individual advice, help with media enquiries, support and guidance up to and including the inquest and signposting to further services.

Specialist bereavement counselling.

If you need to talk to someone in person it may be worth looking for charities delivering specialist bereavement counselling in your area. They are likely to be under significant demand so expect a waiting list. In Sheffield, CRUSE are excellent.

Online chat with bereavement counsellors  is available with AtaLoss.org.

Children and Young People Bereaved by suicide

  • Winston’s Wish provide specialist support for children bereaved by suicide.
  • Child Bereavement UK also offer support, and links to the “Grief: Support for Young People” app available on Google Play and Apple store.

Your GP.

If you are worried about your own mental health or are struggling to cope your GP may also be able to help.

SToRMS does not offer formal bereavement support but if you live in South Yorkshire, and need support not offered (or available) from the services above please contact us at enquiries@stormsdmc.org and we will try to help or put you in contact with someone who can.