Penumbra welcomes evaluation of suicide bereavement service

Mental health charity, Penumbra, has today welcomed the Scottish Government and COSLA’s commitment to roll out a pilot support service which offers support to people bereaved by suicide. The commitment comes on the back of an independent evaluation of the service published today (15 April).

The charity has been operating the pilot service in Ayrshire and Arran since August 2021. A second pilot site in the Highlands and Argyll and Bute is run by Change Mental Health. At October 2023, a total of 242 people had been referred to the service for support.

Penumbra’s Interim Director of National Programmes Issy Murray said:

“We know from research that people bereaved by the suicide of a close friend or family member are estimated to be 65% more likely to attempt suicide than if the bereavement was from natural causes, so we know that there is a need for this kind of support. Increasing the reach of the service is a very welcome step, so we’re very pleased to see the commitment from the Scottish Government and COSLA to roll out this kind of bereavement support across the country.”

Penumbra’s Head of Service for Penumbra’s west of Scotland region Shaun Macaulay-Davidson said:

“We’re really pleased that the evaluation has spotlighted the positive impact our support is having for people. One of the driving forces behind the service from the very beginning was the insight from people who have experienced a loss from suicide. It’s helped to shape meaningful support that’s specifically tailored to what people need when they lose someone to suicide. What’s important for us is that many of our team members have their own lived experience which means we’re able to support people from a place of compassion and understanding.”

The suicide of my son was devastating. The support I have received from the Suicide Bereavement Support Service has been invaluable in enabling me to find the strength to rebuild my life and my heart

Haylis Smith, National Delivery Lead for Suicide Prevention Scotland, said:

“Following the publication of the evaluation into the effectiveness of the Suicide Bereavement Support pilot service, we welcome the Scottish Government and COSLA’s commitment to continue a roll-out bereavement support across the country as a key priority.”

This is what someone who used the service had to say about the support they received in the Time, Space, Compassion in Suicide Prevention – practice stories:

“The suicide of my son was devastating. The support I have received from the Suicide Bereavement Support Service has been invaluable in enabling me to find the strength to rebuild my life and my heart.”

For more information on this news release, please contact communications@penumbra.org.uk

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