Did you know that the Leeds Mind’s Suicide Bereavement Services offers group peer support sessions as well as one-to-one support?
Being affected by suicide can feel like an isolating experience. Group peer support sessions offer people affected by suicide a chance to come together to share experiences and talk in a non-judgemental and confidential space.
By creating safe spaces for group discussion, peer support groups create a space to hear other people’s stories, share coping mechanisms and learn that you are not alone in this difficult experience.
We often find that people can be apprehensive about group support. We have shared some feedback from past attendees and a breakdown of what to expect from peer support to help remove some of the mystery.
Feedback from group attendees
Past attendees of group peer support have had lots of positive things to say about the experience, including that the spaces were supportive, non-judgemental, and that people left feeling connected to the people they had shared the session with.
“It’s a great place, supportive, non-judgemental and empathetic”
“Being amongst people who know how you feel is probably the most important helpful environment when going through personal troubles.”
“The group was very supportive. Sharing thoughts, grief coping mechanisms was very helpful.”
“I always struggled with feeling understood and I now feel understood”
“I took lots of positives from the group this eve. Very supportive, felt connection”
Who could benefit from group peer support session?
Group peer support has a lot of benefits that many people could tap into, and there is no expectation to participate or talk if you don’t want to. We aim to create group spaces that are accessible to everyone.
Groups can be useful for people to normalise responses to losing someone to suicide through conversation.
Our Peer Support sessions are designed to offer anyone affected by suicide this safe space to come and share your experience with others who know what it’s like, or just to listen.
What to expect from our sessions
- Initial call
Have an initial call from one of our team to explain how the groups work and what to expect
- Rounds
We limit our attendees to around 10-12 people. Two practitioners facilitate each session, working in rounds so that everyone gets a chance to speak if they would like to (although there’s no expectation to speak if you don’t want to)
- In-person and Online
We hold monthly group support sessions and workshops in person and via Zoom.
- Led by you
You are welcome to bring any topic to discuss; groups are led by the attendees on the day. Some examples include struggling with sleep, coping with anniversaries, and normal reactions to grief such as anger, sadness, numbness
Leeds Mind’s Suicide Bereavement Services
The Suicide Bereavement Services offer a range of support to those affected by suicide. This includes group peer support sessions as well as one-to-one support, family support and workplace support. The Suicide Bereavement Services are designed to offer you safe spaces to talk about your experience and practical support to help you navigate this difficult experience.
If you have been impacted by a suicide, you can contact the Suicide Bereavement Service to discuss the services available and access support.
