A new service
is now available in Liverpool for people who have been affected by suicide.
Amparo is offering a suicide
liaison service, thanks to funding received from NHS England to scale up
suicide bereavement support
In
Liverpool there are approximately 41 deaths by suicide each year. Estimates
vary on how many people are affected by each suicide – ranging from ten deeply
affected to 135 people exposed to a suicide death. This equates to between 410
to 5,535 people affected each year in Liverpool.
Amparo aims to reduce the risk for those affected by suicide by offering timely advice and support with the practicalities surrounding a sudden bereavement. The service offers one to one support from an Amparo liaison worker, who will help with practical support dealing with the police and other agencies, support at inquest, help with media enquiries, support overcoming feelings of isolation and signposting to other services where necessary.
Since the
commencement of the Amparo service in other areas of England no beneficiaries
have gone on to take their own life according to a coroner office audit, which
is a known risk for people who have been affected by suicide.
Cllr Paul
Brant, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for social care and health,
said: “I am really pleased we are now able to offer the Amparo suicide
bereavement service to the people of Liverpool. This will ensure that those who
have suffered from the shock and sadness of the sudden loss of a loved one are
able to get the help that they need in the weeks and months that follow.”
Richard Brown,
CEO of Amparo said: “People bereaved by suicide are at greater risk of
attempting to or taking their own lives by up to 300%. This is why the service
that we offer through Amparo is so vital for the people of Liverpool. The loss
of someone by suicide is tragic and life changing and we offer the necessary
emotional and practical support to help anyone going through this following the
death.”
Amparo is free
of charge and does not have a waiting list. To refer a person who has been
affected by suicide, please contact Amparo directly via the following
channels:
Phone: 0300 088
9255
Email: amparo.service@listening-ear.co.uk
If you are
struggling right now and require immediate help there are a number of services
you can contact.
Local
Mersey Care
mental health crisis line
Open 24 hrs a day – Call 0151 296 7200 Adults 16 +
Alder Hey mental health crisis line
Open 24 hrs a day – Children & Young People – call 0151 293 3577
James’ Place
Liverpool
James’ Place
offer men experiencing a suicidal crisis a proven, intensive, therapeutic
intervention in a safe environment. Open Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm Not
bank holidays.
Telephone: 0151
303 5757
E-mail: info@jamesplace.org.uk
For immediate
help: Text JP to 85258, our Crisis Line.
https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/
Paul’s Place
Offer free
therapy for those bereaved by suicide.
0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
Caring
Connections/ Barbara Bettle Foundation
Offer
counselling and CBT for those bereaved by suicide in Knowsley.
Tel: 0151 289 2761
Email: admin@caringconnections.org.uk
Office Hours: Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 17:00