Lili's work supporting people bereaved by suicide
My role with Penumbra Mental Health is in our service across in Ayrshire and Arran supporting people bereaved by suicide.
This is a unique service that’s been informed and shaped by people’s lived experience (the NSPLG Lived Experience Panel). It has been a real privilege to support people on their bereavement journey helping each person to feel less isolated and to find coping strategies to help with the trauma they’ve experienced.
Many people have told me how much they have appreciated the bespoke nature of the service we provide and just having someone they can still talk to about their loved one long after everyone else is getting on with their own lives.
Being able to build up that trusting relationship with someone after their world has crumbled and getting to know the unique way in which they would like to be supported is very special.
Even the small actions like opening up a conversation can be life saving
The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is creating hope through action. I think this is a really good reminder that everyone can play a role in supporting a friend, family member or colleague.
Even the small actions like opening up a conversation can be life saving. We know people can find that tough, so #UnitedToPreventSuicide have got some great resources on their website on how to start a conversation and I encourage everyone to check them out.
Thank you for sharing with us, Lili.
Lili is a Practitioner with our Suicide Bereavement Support Service.
If you’re coping with the effects of bereavement, you may find these resources helpful.
Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland
Phone: 0808 802 6161
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 8pm
Friday, 9am to 4pm
Email: support@crusescotland.org.uk
Cruse offer one-to-one counselling across Scotland. They give support through their helpline for anyone who has been bereaved.
Samaritans
Phone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, every day)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Breathing Space
Phone: 0800 83 85 87
Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 2am
Friday to Monday, 6pm to 6am
How To Deal With Grief and Loss – a resource for young people
