Group work - suicide

The death of anyone close can cause immense sadness and grief but a death by suicide is one of the most painful and complicated types of bereavement. A death through suicide delivers a double blow to families – not only do they have to cope with a sudden, often unexpected death, but they also have to deal with the way their relative has died. Winston’s Wish has particular experience of supporting children and young people who have been bereaved through suicide.

Almost 1 in 10 of the children we work alongside each year has been bereaved through suicide and, currently, around 1 in 5 calls to our national Winston's Wish Helpline (08452 03 04 05) is about a death by suicide.

We recognise the particular challenges that a death by suicide can present to a family and offer residential groups for those bereaved in this way. The programme specifically aims to recognise and address the trauma and stigma surrounding this type of bereavement. We also have a publication, Beyond the Rough Rock, which can be ordered on-line for anyone supporting a child bereaved through suicide.