Suicide bereavement service now available to support people across Lancashire

A service which provides support to those bereaved by a suspected suicide has now been commissioned across Lancashire, offering vital support to local people thanks to national NHS funding.

The support provided by AMPARO has been available in pilot form for the last six months, helping local people in Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Burnley and Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.

NHS Suicide Prevention Bereavement Transformation Funding now means this key service can now be provided across the whole of Lancashire. 

AMPARO can support anyone affected by a suspected suicide - family members, friends, colleagues or members of the public. The service is provided in a range of ways including one to one individual support, help with media enquiries, advice and guidance up to and during inquest and continued support after inquest if required.

ICS Mental Health Deputy Director, Paul Hopley said:

“AMPARO offers an invaluable service to people going through something which most of us find unimaginable. The process following a suspected suicide can be lengthy and complex, AMPARO are able to offer expert advice and guidance to support people through this time.

In Lancashire and South Cumbria, we recognise the importance of providing support to anyone that has been bereaved by a suspected suicide and feel it is crucial that we are able to provide a timely response when required.”

You can find out more about AMPARO and the services they offer on their website.

In Cumbria, bereavement support is provided by Every Life Matters. The service is currently being set up and will be advertised when available. Local provision is detailed on the Every Life Matters website.