Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide group planned

Local woman to establish Newbury branch

A LOCAL woman is planning to set up a Newbury group called Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS).

Julie Napier lost her partner three years ago and said she has to travel to Wiltshire or Oxfordshire to attend a support group.

She said: “There are a lot of people in the Berkshire area who need this support after losing a loved one to suicide and are unable to get it.

“Grief after suicide is a serious contributor to people’s mental health. A support group to provide a listening ear to people in similar situations to each other can be vital to give someone a release and enable them to cope with their grief.”

The support group would be available to anyone aged over 18 and Ms Napier wants to get it up and running by September.

She has appealed for advice from those in relevant professions in establishing the group, and for financial support from local business.

Ms Napier would also like help in funding group therapist visits and the provision of a venue.

She said: “Dealing with grief is hard for anyone, but dealing with the grief of a death by suicide is different – we have unanswered questions and need to talk to people who have a similar experience.”

Anyone who could help can contact Ms Napier on 07748-378626 or at newburysobs@yahoo.com