As part of funding received from NHS England to scale up suicide bereavement support, a new service is now available in Liverpool for anyone affected by suicide. Amparo offers a suicide liaison service to those who are navigating the difficult terrain following a loved one taking their own life.
Sadly, in Liverpool there are approximately 41 deaths by suicide each year. Estimates vary on how many people are affected by each suicide – ranging from ten deeply affected to 135 people exposed to a suicide death. This equates to between 410 to 5535 people affected each year in Liverpool.
Amparo aims to reduce the risk for those affected by suicide by offering timely advice and support with the practicalities surrounding a sudden bereavement. The service offers one to one support from an Amparo Liaison worker, who will help with; practical support dealing with the police and other agencies, support at inquest, help with media enquiries, support overcoming feelings of isolation and signposting to other services where necessary.
Since the commencement of the Amparo service in other areas of England no beneficiaries have gone on to take their own life according to a coroner office audit, which is a known risk for people who have been affected by suicide.
Cllr Paul Brant, Cabinet Member for Adult Health and Social Care, Liverpool City Council said:
“I am really pleased we are now able to offer the Amparo suicide bereavement service to the people of Liverpool. This will ensure that those who have suffered from the shock and sadness of the sudden loss of a loved one are able to get the help that they need in the weeks and months that follow.”
Richard Brown, CEO of Amparo said:
“People bereaved by suicide are at greater risk of attempting to or taking their own lives by up to 300%. This is why the service that we offer through Amparo is so vital for the people of Liverpool. The loss of someone by suicide is tragic and life changing and we offer the necessary emotional and practical support to help anyone going through this following the death.”
Amparo is free of charge and does not have a waiting list. To refer a person who has been affected by suicide, please contact Amparo directly via the following channels:
Phone: 0300 088 9255
Email: amparo.service@listening-ear.co.uk
