A new support group is being launched across the Illawarra and South Coast to help adults who have lost someone to suicide.
Lifeline South Coast has introduced the Support After Suicide Bereavement Group, offering a safe and confidential space for people to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss.
Services Manager Helen Matwijiw says the group aims to fill a gap in existing services by providing specialised support for people experiencing suicide bereavement.
“There’s definitely a gap, there is a lot of stigma around suicide and losing someone to suicide is unique,” she said.
“It can be really isolating and difficult for someone who has been impacted.
“So having other people in a group setting who have lost someone through suicide can be really comforting and it’s an opportunity to actually really talk about it.”
The group will be held online, allowing people from across the Illawarra and South Coast to access support from their own homes.
“Not only will it allow us to reach more people in the Illawarra, but it will also allow people to do it from the comfort of their own home,” Ms Matwijiw said.
The first session is scheduled for Monday, September 28, with the group then meeting on the last Monday of each month.
The ongoing sessions will provide peer support for adults navigating grief following a suicide, while creating an environment where participants can openly discuss their experiences.
Lifeline South Coast CEO Renee Green says she hopes the program will give people an opportunity to connect with others and feel supported in their grief.
“It’s a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space, it’s an opportunity to come together to talk about that grief and more importantly to talk about some strategies for moving forward,” she said.
Ms Green says having dedicated support available is particularly important given the impact of suicide both nationally and within the region.
“It is absolutely critical to have a group like this available, suicide kills around nine people a day and we know that within our region we are slightly above the national and state averages,” she said.
“It is crucial we take the steps to support those who are on the other end of that loss and make sure they’re doing all they can to look after themselves.”
The new group adds to the support available across the region, with Lifeline South Coast hoping it will help people affected by suicide loss feel less isolated as they navigate their grief.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
