SASP reducing stigma of suicide bereavement

Dr. Sharon McDonnell, speaker at a SAIF Education Day, recently published a report on her research findings of over 7000 people bereaved by suicide. Conducted on behalf of the University of Manchester and the Support After Suicide Partnership (SASP), the survey was the largest suicide bereavement survey internationally.  The findings generated national and international interest and may be read here.

The results were presented to the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Suicide and Self-harm Prevention online meeting on 23^rd March. It is particularly timely because two documentaries were recently aired on TV about suicide and its impact on the bereaved.

Suicide Bereavement UK commissioned Jenny Berry to write two poems about suicide bereavement to open and close their recent international conference. The first poem entitled ‘They Say Nout’ focuses on stigma and may be watched here.

In sharing the poem, we are helping to spread the message that there is no stigma in losing a loved one to suicide. It’s nobody’s fault and it’s better to talk openly about experiences than hide them away.

Dr Sharon McDonnell, is Managing Director of Suicide Bereavement UK and Honorary Research Fellow, University of Manchester.