OUR HISTORY
The Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service was established in 2012 as a collaboration between Mind in Somerset (formerly MindTWS), Cruse Bereavement Care, Barnardo’s South West and the Samaritans, funded by Somerset NHS to offer a Specialist Suicide Bereavement Support Service across Somerset (press release).
Its aims were set out as:
To reduce the distress and improve the long term outlook of people directly bereaved by a suicide.
The Objectives were:
For people bereaved by suicide
To set up a Specialist Suicide Bereavement Support Service available across Somerset for adults, that meets both the practical and emotional needs of people directly bereaved by a suicide.
For relevant agencies:
To develop an on-going relationship and act as liaison with the coroner’s office, the Police, the media and when requested, faith groups. Additionally, to develop strong working relationships with all the key agencies that can offer further support and advice to people who contact the Specialist Suicide Bereavement Support Service.
Information sharing:
To provide advice and support to other agencies who are supporting their own clients bereaved by suicide/accidental death, and set up a web page with information, links and guidance regarding suicide bereavement support.
Continuous Improvement:
To monitor and evaluate the service using various qualitative and quantitative methods, deliver a high quality service and continually improve standards.
From 2014 Somerset Public Health took over the funding. Support for young people was brought within the direct responsibility of the SSBSS.