Government pledges support for friends and relatives of suicide victims

Friends and relatives of suicide victims will be given greater support, after the Department of Health revealed it is to put more than £1 million into personalised bereavement help.

New figures have shown that almost one in 10 people who see a loved one take their own life go on to attempt it themselves.

Now the government is to introduce specialised care to different areas of the country over the next five years as part of a £57 million investment.

Mental health minister Nadine Dorries, whose cousin committed suicide, said she was determined to tackle the root causes of the problem.

Announcing the ring fenced cash, Ms Dorries alluded to her own personal experience.

She said: ‘When a loved one takes their own life, those left behind can suffer indescribable pain and grief – something I have experienced first-hand.’

‘Every suicide is a tragedy. But it is also important to support those coming to terms with a loss, ensuring they have access to the right types of sensitive support.’

The type of support will be different in each location.

In the London boroughs of Brent, Wandsworth and Westminster, police and healthcare workers will refer families and friends to suicide bereavement liaison officers who could support friends and families for up to a year.

In West Yorkshire, those affected by suicide will find it quicker and easier to access vital care, while training will be offered to organisations and employers on how to support their workforce.

Claire Murdoch, NHS national director for mental health, welcomed the new services which she said would be a ‘lifeline’ to those close to the deceased.

Samaritans boss Ruth Sutherland said the care could ‘not come soon enough.’