A service providing support to those who have been bereaved or affected by suicide has launched a new website, making it easier for anyone seeking support to find the help they need.
Amparo can support anyone who has been affected, whether this is family members, friends or work colleagues. The service provides support in a range of ways including one to one individual advice, help with media enquiries, support and guidance up to and including the inquest and signposting to further services.
Amparo began life in April 2015, initially in Cheshire and Merseyside, but has since grown significantly and now also covers Lancashire, South Yorkshire and Kent & Medway – a population of almost 8 million people, or approximately 15% of the people living in England.
Richard Brown, CEO of Listening Ear Merseyside who set up and manages the Amparo service said: “We’re excited to launch the new website, which is designed to offer support to people going through something which most of us find unimaginable. It will allow people to make contact with Amparo’s Liaison Workers who are able to offer expert advice and guidance to support people through this time.
“We know that those bereaved by suicide are at much higher risk of suicide themselves, so it is crucial we are able to provide immediate help and support to those bereaved. Amparo can help with a lot of the practical issues that arise when suicide is suspected or confirmed.”
The website can be found at www.amparo.org.uk and includes a referral form which can easily be completed online. Amparo can also be accessed by calling 0330 088 9255.
Amparo’s staff will work people for as long as the service is felt to be required. Where it will be helpful, links will be made with other support agencies to ensure that support continues.
The details of Amparo and information about the support they offer will be shared with all frontline workers who are most likely to be in contact with those affected by a suspected suicide including coroner’s officers, GPs, firefighters, paramedics and police officers.