The death of a loved one is never easy to experience, whether it comes without warning or after a long struggle with illness. Research has shown that those bereaved by suicide are at an increased risk of suicide themselves. Added to that burden is the substantial stigma, which can keep those left behind, away from the much needed support. This support group will run on the second Wednesday of every month starting from Wednesday 12 August at 7:00pm and will be facilitated by volunteers Binnie & Gurj. They are both experienced group leaders and currently run the Birmingham support group al ..read more

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide Volunteer & Author Jonathan Lee’s interview on BBC Radio Sheffield. Survivors of Bereavement by Suicides volunteer and author, Jonathan Lee has given an interview on BBC Radio Sheffield. He took to the radio on the Paulette Edwards show to discuss why he decided to volunteer for our charity and set up a new Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide support group in Barnsley. https://uksobs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Jonathan-Lee-media-interview.wav Please note that during the interview the term ‘committed suicide’ is used. Survivors of Bereavement by Suic ..read more

On 8 April the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the Home Office published the Online Harms White Paper, which sets out the Government’s plans for a package of measures to make the internet safer for everyone.  The White Paper is currently open for consultation until 1 July, and both it and the consultation details can be found at www.gov.uk by searching for ‘Online Harms White Paper’. The White Paper outlines plans for a new regulatory framework to address all forms of online harms, including content that is seen to encourage or assist sui ..read more

Looking for research participants until January 2020 Hannah is conducting a PhD project that explores the experiences of friend and family groups after a loss to suicide, with a particular focus on social support. For her research she is looking to interview groups of friends and family who have been bereaved for between 18 months and 8 years. Interviews will be done in person and will take no more than 2 hours. These interviews could be with any 2-5 members of a friend and family group, would be carried out individually and be completely confidential to each person. The study has been a ..read more

A decision at the Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide Trustees meeting on Saturday 30th March 2019 to reduce the length of time a survivor is needed to be bereaved before becoming a volunteer. It was agreed that the timescale would be 18 months to 2 years (flexible), so if someone presented an application at 18 months bereaved it would be considered by Trustees ..read more

Media organisations report and publish a death by suicide with no consideration to the family involved. The law gives preference to the public’s ghoulish interest over a family’s right to grieve in private. If someone dies by suicide, the press should be able to report only that they have died. Suicide deaths are a shock to all left behind and are traumatic enough without the death being broadcast to the wider community. Suicide deaths are not easily explained to children left behind. Families should have the right to explain what has happened at an appropriate time or when the child reaches a ..read more

Mental Health Crisis Care Roadmap Friday 21 June 2019, Holiday Inn Manchester City Centre, Manchester Book before Friday 12th April and receive £100 off your place This solution focused day will identify with the challenges of crisis care and mental health liaison services, community mental health, in-patient services and multi-agency working. Take one day out, map your service against the national picture, find out what is and isn’t working, and get on the right road to evolving your service. Key focuses of the day are: • National developments: realistic expectations from the Long-Term Plan ..read more

New Publication A directory of suicide bereavement services for Surrey and North East Hampshire Finding your Way Directory This directory has also been added to our website under we can help – other resources   ..read more

My name is Claire and I am a researcher at October Films, a TV production company based in London. We are making a BBC documentary looking at the relationship between online bullying and mental health issues, in young women growing up today; filmed through the eyes of one of the most famous women in the UK. This will be a deeply personal film showing one woman’s rise to fame, and her subsequent battle with mental health issues, which was fuelled by negative media coverage and abusive online trolls. But with self-harm amongst young girls, and teenage suicide both doubling in the last decad ..read more

Can you join us to help others by volunteering for the National Helpline? The Helpline offers an invaluable service to adults, often to newly bereaved people, affected by the loss of a loved one to suicide.  The Helpline may be the first contact for emotional support after their tragedy.  Callers can share their feelings with someone who really understands, who has lost a loved one to suicide and who will listen. If you feel you can offer your services and have been bereaved for at least 2 years, then please follow the link for more information  Helpline recruitment flyer w ..read more