A new service is now available in Liverpool for people who have been affected by suicide.
Amparo is offering a suicide liaison service, thanks to funding received from NHS England to scale up suicide bereavement support
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 5,535 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, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for social care and health, 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
If you are struggling right now and require immediate help there are a number of services you can contact.
Local
Mersey Care
mental health crisis line
Open 24 hrs a day – Call 0151 296 7200 Adults 16 +
Alder Hey mental health crisis line
Open 24 hrs a day – Children & Young People – call 0151 293 3577
James’ Place Liverpool
James’ Place offer men experiencing a suicidal crisis a proven, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Open Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm Not bank holidays.
Telephone: 0151 303 5757
E-mail: info@jamesplace.org.uk
For immediate help: Text JP to 85258, our Crisis Line.
https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/
Paul’s Place
Offer free therapy for those bereaved by suicide.
0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
Caring Connections/ Barbara Bettle Foundation
Offer counselling and CBT for those bereaved by suicide in Knowsley.
Tel: 0151 289 2761
Email: admin@caringconnections.org.uk
Office Hours: Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 17:00
