Suicide Support conference hears from experts
A FIRST of its kind bereavement by suicide conference showed the openness and willingness of people to make progress in the island.
The sold-out Suicide Support Journey hosted by Guernsey Mind, Talking Benches and Guernsey Samaritans, welcomed three key speakers from Suicide Bereavement UK.
The visiting guests said that the feeling of community and togetherness showed promise for change in Guernsey.
‘Guernsey has the health and wellbeing strategy whereas in England we have the suicide prevention strategy, but what I found very powerful is that the health and wellbeing strategy talks about developing building blocks and collaborative working, and I think the building blocks have been started today,’ said Suicide Bereavement UK research lead Dr Sharon McDonnell.
‘What we’re doing now is a step in the right direction. It’s easy to criticise and discourage people, but I think hosting this event is massive and the diversity of professionals in that room is incredible, they’re showing openness and that’s where the magic happens.’
Suicide Bereavement UK specialises in bereavement research and delivery of training.
Dr McDonnell said that it was great to see local charities working together, as many work alone with limited funds.
‘You have to start small and build it up and the room here in Guernsey is completely full which shows people have that openness to learn,’ she said.
‘Sometimes actions speak louder than words, and people are hearing the words and seeing the actions but hopefully at the end of the day there will be a lot of lightbulb moments.’
Liz Koole, a social worker for children and families following bereavement by suicide, said that the event could be a catalyst for everyone to unite and work together.
On Thursday the conference consisted of a series of discussions and presentations on breaking the silence for those bereaved by suicide, supporting children and young people affected by it, and lived experience and the effects of suicide.
Yesterday involved practical training, including responding to suicide training being presented to emergency services personnel by Suicide Bereavement UK.
Guernsey Mind will also be running a half-day suicide first aid training.
‘There will definitely be some learning and things that we can work on after the conference,’ said Guernsey Mind CEO Jo Cottell.
‘We have a number of professionals from the emergency services who will be learning specifically about responding to suicide.
‘It is so important to increase awareness and encourage people to talk about mental health and wellbeing, including bereavement and suicide.’
