New Suicide Bereavement Support Service Launched in North Yorkshire

A novel initiative offering complimentary virtual bereavement assistance for both minors and adults impacted by suicide has commenced operations in a North Yorkshire locality. This service, provided by the Just ‘B’ charity, receives funding from the NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and is set to serve three specific Scarborough postcode regions: YO11, YO12, and YO13. Individuals accessing the service will receive talking therapy and guidance from qualified professionals. Clare Schmidt, who serves as the director of client services at Just ‘B’, stated that the support would be accessible to individuals requiring assistance with emotional processing, irrespective of the timeframe since their experiences occurred. She further commented: “We’ve been aware that there hasn’t been a lot of provision across that patch, so this project hopefully addresses that.” Schmidt added: “It’s not just about bereavement by suicide recently, but also for people who have been bereaved in this way up to 10 years ago.” She emphasized: “We offer a safe space whereby people will be supported by trained individuals who are experienced in supporting individuals who have been bereaved by suicide, as their grief can be quite complicated in terms of managing and processing it.” Schmidt concluded her remarks by stating: “One thing we know about being bereaved by suicide is that there are a whole host of emotions and feelings that people experience, some of which might prevent somebody contacting us and they need to know that it is nothing we haven’t heard before and that they are in safe care with us.” For over 15 years, Just ‘B’ has delivered specialized bereavement assistance across North Yorkshire, primarily focusing its operations in Harrogate, Hambleton, and Richmondshire. Individuals qualifying for assistance via this pilot program have the option to self-refer or be referred by parents/carers, as well as health or social care professionals. A representative for the NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB commented: “Dealing with the suicide of a significant person can be incredibly hard to process, which is why we are delighted we’ve been able to commission Just ‘B’ to provide support to families in Scarborough town and Eastfield.”