MIND

Each year in the UK, more than 6000 people take their own life – each suicide has a devastating and lasting impact on their families, friends and communities.

Faced with a sudden, often unexpected and sometimes violent death, the bereaved experience a complex grief which typically includes strong feelings of guilt, self-reproach and questioning – “why?”.   Discomfort, shame and stigma associated with suicide can make it difficult to talk about.  There may be further complexities not common to normal bereavements e.g. inquests, media coverage, trauma reactions and difficult family relationships.

Those bereaved by suicide often feel isolated at a time when they are hurting, suffering mental anguish and are vulnerable themselves to thoughts of suicide.  Even those fortunate enough to have strong support networks can still feel alone, unable to share their true feelings for fear of their impact on others, particularly when they are also in a caring role for others who are bereaved.

There are hundreds of thousands of people in the UK who have been deeply affected by suicide.   The emotional, quality of life and financial impacts are long lasting and wide reaching.  It is a major public health issue.

We exist to meet the needs and break the isolation experienced by those bereaved by suicide.   We are a self-help organisation and we aim to provide a safe, confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings, so giving and gaining support from each other.  We also strive to improve public awareness and maintain contacts with many other statutory and voluntary organisations.

​

If you have been bereaved or affected by suicide and you would like to talk with one of our volunteers about your experience, you can get in touch in the following ways:

Email – write to email.support@uksobs.org

Helpline – On hold and under review until further notice.

bereaveMENt – email bereaveMENt@uksobs.org