In 2024 we will be launching peer-led suicide bereavement support groups in Barrow-in-Furness, Kendal, Penrith, Carlisle and Maryport.
Our monthly peer-led support group meetings are an opportunity to meet others who have lost someone to suicide in a safe and confidential space. Our groups are a place where you can share your experiences and feelings, and give and gain support from each other. The groups run in various locations across Cumbria at set times every month and are supported by volunteers from Every Life Matters who have personal experience of suicide bereavement.
Penrith – 4th Thursday of each month 26/9, 31/10, 28/11 etc
Carlisle – 4th Tuesday of every month 24/9, 22/10, 26/11 etc
Kendal – 3rd Tuesday of every month 17/9, 15/10, 19/11, 17/12 etc
Barrow – 2nd Wednesday of every month 11/9, 9/10, 13/11, 11/12 etc
Maryport – 4th Monday of every month 25/11, 23/12 etc
Locations of our group meetings are private, so if you are wanting to join a group we ask that you contact us prior to the meeting to let us know you want to attend. Please scroll down for contact details.
What are the meetings like?
Peer-led Support group meetings are held in an informal and private space such as a community centre, church hall, GP practice and so on. A volunteer will be there to greet you, introduce you to others if you want, and to answer any questions you may have about the meeting or any other issues relating to suicide bereavement and support.
Our meetings are usually split in to two halves. The first part we all sit together to do introductions, share our experiences and find ideas and support from others. The second half is an opportunity to talk more informally in pairs or smaller groups over a cuppa and cake. There is no obligation to talk or to share. It could simply be an opportunity for you to meet others and be in the company of people who might understand better what you have gone through. What you disclose and who you talk to is your choice.
Each support group is run by a team of volunteer group facilitators. Between them, they facilitate the session, get the conversation started, make sure everyone has the opportunity to talk if they want to, and generally look out for people. Our group facilitators do more listening than talking, and are comfortable listening to the experiences of others. All volunteers are bereaved by suicide themselves, usually for more than 2 years. This shared experience with the people who come to our groups is a really important part of what makes them so effective. People feel that they will be understood.
The first time you attend you can come earlier to meet our facilitators and to settle in before the meeting starts.
If your bereavement has happened recently, in the last 3 months, we recommend speaking to Paul before attending as individual support may be more helpful to you in these early weeks, rather than attending a group.
Our groups are for people bereaved by suicide. But if you felt you need someone to accompany you to a first meeting that’s fine. Just let us know.
And we always have cake!
What are the benefits of attending the groups?
Understanding. People who are grieving because of suicide can feel very alone, experiencing a kind of loss that others may not understand. Even with supportive family and friends, people often find it helpful to talk with others who have experienced a similar loss.
Coping. At these kind of groups people can help one another to come to conclusions that often lead to acceptance and increased hope for facing the future. People might share ideas and techniques that have helped them cope with some of the difficult feelings and other impacts of bereavement by suicide. They might help each other find positive ways to remember their loved ones or to feel they are making a difference through fundraising or campaigning.
Support. People can also attend the groups to find out more about the range of support and services for people bereaved by suicide in Cumbria and Nationally, including help with practical issues, the coroners’ inquests, speaking to children about loss and more. We usually have a range of helpful books and other resources at each group for people to read or to borrow.
