People who have been bereaved by suicide will be able to access emotional and practical support as part of a new pilot.

The initiative, which was developed with people who have lost a relative to suicide, has launched in NHS Ayrshire & Arran and NHS Highland.

Figures out today reveal suicides fell during 2020 when compared to 2019, despite running above average levels between June and September.

Suicide deaths were three times more likely in the least well-off areas compared to the wealthiest.

Jenn Barnes, who lost her brother Calum to suicide in 2017 and contributed to the development of the bereavement support service, says: “In the days and weeks we lost Calum, we had no idea who to turn to for advice and information on practical things like dealing with the police.

“The new pilot will help to address this situation and ensure that families have answers to basic questions as well as signposts to additional counselling services that they can access as time passes.

“The risk of suicide amongst people who have recently been bereaved is elevated. Having this scheme in place gives me hope that no family will have to struggle alone during what will probably be the most difficult time of their lives.”

Specially trained bereavement support workers will provide customised support relevant to each family’s circumstance for up to two years, with the additional aim of recognising potential risks, including signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation.

A total of £510,000 has been provided by the Scottish government to develop and deliver the pilot, and it is hoped that the evaluation will help inform future planning of bereavement support services throughout the country.

The announcement came ahead of suicide figures for 2020, which are set to be published later today.

The initiative has been collaboratively developed by Scotland’s National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG) and third sector organisations Penumbra and Support in Mind Scotland.

The group was set up by the government to help drive implementation of the Scottish Government’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan (2018), which aims to reduce the rate of suicide by 20% by 2022.

It is made up of healthcare professionals, representatives from the third sector, as well as people with lived experience of bereavement from suicide.

Issy Murray, the area manager for Penumbra in Ayrshire and Arran, says:

“Working alongside people affected by suicide has been crucial in the creation of this new service.

“Our person led approach will mean we're able to tailor support for each person and provide a unique and compassionate space for people.”

With up to 10% of people bereaved by suicide estimated to go on to attempt to take their own lives, the service is also intended to help reduce these rates.

Whilst the rate of death by suicide in Scotland fell by 20% between 2002-2006 and 2013-2017, 680 probable deaths by suicide still occurred in 2017.

 

Read more: Over half of Scots fear lack of mental health support; ‘Missed opportunities’ in Tayside mental health

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