Virtual support groups for people bereaved by suicide

Facing the Future is a service that was created by Samaritans and Cruse Bereavement Support in 2011. It supports people who have been bereaved by suicide. This service provides online peer support groups that give participants the opportunity to meet other people who have also lost a loved one to suicide and it aims to create a safe space for you to share your thoughts and feelings openly. Suicide-related grief can feel isolating, and participants of the support groups have said that it has been incredibly comforting to be in a safe space with people who are also experiencing the same thing. They have also said that they feel respected and comfortable to share things within the groups and have learnt different ways to cope as a result.

The Facing the Future service is managed by Central London Samaritans and each support group is run by two trained volunteers from Samaritans and/or Cruse Bereavement Support. The sessions run once a week over 6 weeks for 90 minutes and there is a maximum of 10 people in each group. To join a group you must be over 18 and have lost someone to suicide over three months ago. Groups are run at a variety of times during the week and weekend. More information and an online registration form can be found here: https://www.facingthefuturegroups.org/

This could be a great service for anyone who is looking for a community and support from people who are going through the same thing.