In this Grief School panel discussion we talk to experts and those who’ve lost someone to suicide, to discuss the nature of their grief and bereavement.
The panel discussion is led by Andy Langford, Chief Operating Officer of Cruse Bereavement Care.
Dr Alexandra Pitman from University College London’s Division of Psychiatry shares her research and expertise on the topic. Dr Pitman is interested in understanding the risk factors for suicide attempts, and in developing interventions to address them. Her research has formed the basis for Finding the Words, a resource for people bereaved by suicide and for their relatives and friends.
Anna Wardley is an endurance swimmer and suicide campaigner with personal experience of such bereavement. She’s also a Churchill Fellow, whose research looks to other countries to see what can be learned from the support other nations provide for young people affected by suicide. The children of those who die of suicide are at a higher risk of taking their own lives, so help at a young age is vital.
Having been deeply affected personally by the suicide of her big brother, Lucy Driver now volunteers as a Group Leader of the monthly peer support group for the charity, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS). Lucy will share her personal experiences of suicide and its aftermath and will outline the support provided by SOBS.
Hannah White also joins us. She lost her mum to suicide in 2018, when Hannah was six months into her own maternity leave and also had a four-year-old child. Since then, Hannah has explored many of the UK’s bereavement services, including Cruse Bereavement Care, SOBS, Facing the Future and Winston’s Wish.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
