28.10.19
Government announced plans to roll out suicide bereavement support
People who have lost someone close to them due to suicide will benefit from dedicated bereavement care. The government has announced plans to roll out services on the NHS across England.
The new plans mean anyone affected by a family member or friend taking their own life will have access to practical and emotional support in the days and months following their death.
A total fund £1,082,000 will be implemented across ten areas. The support will range from one-to-one sessions with trained volunteers or counselors, group support, or signposting to specialist mental health services.
The 10 areas receiving funding are:
- North Cumbria - £256,000
- Derbyshire - £71,000
- West Yorkshire and Harrogate - £173,000
- Nottinghamshire - £63,000
- Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland - £64,000
- North Central London - £87,000
- North West London - £113,000
- South West London - £69,000
- Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire West - £98,000
- Devon - £88,000
Statistics show that 9% of people affected by suicide will also attempt to take their own life and 8% will drop out of work.
The personalised help will be put into place in every region across the country by 2023 to 2024, as part of a commitment set out in the NHS Long Term Plan.
The type of support on offer will vary from region to region so it intertwines with existing local services.
Last year £12.5bn was spent on national mental health with the NHS Long Term Plan pledging an extra £2.3bn every year over the next 5 years to transform mental health care.
Minister for mental health and suicide prevention Nadine Dorries said: “When a loved one takes their own life, those left behind can suffer indescribable pain and grief – something I have experienced first-hand.
“Every suicide is a tragedy, which is why I am determined to tackle its root causes. But it is also important to support those coming to terms with a loss, ensuring they have access to the right types of sensitive support.
“This funding is part of our wider commitment in the NHS Long Term Plan to implement designated suicide bereavement care. Making a real difference to people’s lives.”