No victim identified : “Suicide Bereavement Support Service Evaluation: Final Report”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Suicide Bereavement Support Service Evaluation Report
2. Suicide Bereavement Support Service Final Evaluation

The 2018 research study revealed that the suicide of a close friend or family member can increase the likelihood of suicide attempts by 65%. In 2022, 762 people died from suicide in Scotland, a slight increase from the previous year. The National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group was established in 2018 to support the Scottish Government’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan. The Suicide Bereavement Support Service was funded to provide support for families affected by suicide. The service received positive feedback and has been successful in providing compassionate, person-centred support. The evaluation recommends expanding the service to all of Scotland to meet the needs of those affected by suicide.

Tragic Incident in Scotland Sparks New Suicide Bereavement Support Service

In a tragic incident that shook the community, Scotland faced a heart-wrenching reality as the number of deaths by suicide rose to 762 in 2022. The impact of these deaths reverberated through families and friends, affecting up to 135 people per case. The aftermath of a suicide death can leave lasting scars, with those bereaved at a higher risk of attempting suicide themselves.

Introduction of the Suicide Bereavement Support Service

In response to the growing need for support, the Scottish Government established the Suicide Bereavement Support Service (SBSS) as a pilot project in 2021. Managed by Penumbra and Change Mental Health, the SBSS aimed to provide compassionate and tailored support to families affected by suicide. The service operated on a hub and spoke model, offering a centralised approach while delivering local support in NHS Highland and NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

Impact of the SBSS

Since its inception, the SBSS has provided crucial support to 132 individuals, offering over 2,670 support sessions and 2,089 hours of assistance. The service has proven to be a lifeline for many, with feedback highlighting the positive impact of the support received. Referrals into the SBSS have steadily increased, indicating a growing awareness of the service and its benefits.

Outcomes and Future Possibilities

People engaging with the SBSS have reported positive experiences, citing the compassionate and person-centred approach as key to their healing journey. As the pilot period comes to a close, discussions have arisen regarding the future of the service. Options include expanding the SBSS to all Health Board areas, creating a national team, or managing the closure of the service with a focus on sharing learning with local suicide prevention leads.

Recommendation for Continued Support

Based on the success of the SBSS pilot, the overarching recommendation is to make the service available to anyone in Scotland who has experienced a bereavement by suicide. Ensuring that the critical elements of the service delivery model are maintained, the SBSS has the potential to be a vital resource for those in need of support during their darkest times.