SS Sept 19 Web

Advertorial
Restoring Hope
After a Suicide
Each year in the UK alone, more than 6000
people take their own lives. Every suicide has
a devastating and lasting impact on family,
friends and communities. Suicide cuts across
all genders, ages and economic barriers. Rich
and poor, men and women, young children, old
people and adolescents all take their lives. No
one is immune.
The impact of suicide on those left behind is lifelong.
When a loved-one dies it is devastating: when a loved
one dies by their own hand, the grief is magnified by
feelings of disgrace, incomprehension, confusion and
rage. Survivors feel responsible, guilty, angry, isolated,
confused and abandoned. Corrosive thoughts such as
these may be further compounded by feelings of
shame and stigma. The ripples of suicide are
overpowering and far-reaching.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) is a
national charity providing support to adults over 18
who have been bereaved by suicide. It has a self-help
support group in Lewes, where those affected by
suicide can connect with others also suffering from the
trauma of suicide. The group, led by Peter Bridgewater,
who has himself been bereaved by suicide, provides a
safe and confidential opportunity to listen, share, ask
questions and connect with others similarly bereaved.
We know it takes great courage to come to a group.
You won’t have to talk if you don’t want to – many
people don’t, particularly if it’s their first time – but
you may also find that giving and receiving support
within such a group becomes a lifeline: a way of
gradually accepting your loss and making peace with
your own torment.
Group meetings are held on the 2nd & 4th
Thursdays of every month and last for two
hours – between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.
If you feel this group might be beneficial, contact Peter
on: 07902 084 397 or email: sobs.southdowns@gmail.
com. Peter will answer all your questions, settle nerves
and, hopefully, help you decide if it’s the right thing for
you to try.
Photo: Peter Bridgewater is the Group Leader of the South
Downs group, which meets in Lewes. Like all volunteers
working for Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, he too is
a survivor – losing both parents many years ago.
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