Blackpool drop-in session to take place for residents affected by a loss through suicide

Empowerment, the Blackpool-based charity, is in the process of setting up a new project aimed at preventing suicide in Blackpool and supporting those who have been affected by a loss through suicide.

The charity is running a drop-in session on the 28th February, 10am-2pm, where people will be able to share their experience with staff who also have lived experience of the effects of suicide. This session will run at North Shore Golf Club, all are welcome to share their thoughts and knowledge in a confidential setting.

The project will include a range of new peer support groups that will target specific community groups who have experienced a loss. The work will also raise awareness and bring the community together in the immediate weeks after a suicide has occurred, in the aim to help support families and the community.

Linzi Cason, Empowerment Community Engagement Manager, said: “We are in the early stages of this project’s development, and we are acutely aware of the sensitivities and impact of suicide on both immediate family and friends and the wider community.

“We want to ensure that the services available are shaped by the people who need them most and that all our language and outreach work will resonate with those affected. It will also help raise awareness for those in need who may not realise these services exist in Blackpool.”

For those not comfortable attending a group session but wishing to share their views can do so via a questionnaire. All the response will be collated by the charity to help shape the future of support in Blackpool and ensure that there are facilities available for those in need.

Those wishing to take part in the survey can find it here

The charity appreciates that telling their story can be a trigger and urge people to reach out for help if they feel they need support.

The wellbeing and mental health helpline service on 0800 915 4640 Mon-Fri 7pm til 11pm Sat-Sun 12pm till midnight.

For free, confidential support around suicide bereavement please call 0330 088 9255.

For more information on Empowerment please visit https://empowermentcharity.org.uk