Ways to Cope
Finding out what helps and comforts you is important. This might include:
• Talking to family and friends willing to listen.
• Doing things that bring you comfort; listening to your favourite music, watching a favourite movie, meditation, writing about your reactions, going for walks.
• Finding others to talk to who can listen and understand such as counselors, clergy, befriender services, internet support services, new acquaintances and friends.
• Giving yourself the space and permission to grieve. There is no prescribed time for your grief and definitely no time when you should be ‘over it’ or ‘moving on’.
• Attending a support group such as the Northern Region Support After Suicide group … where you can meet others who have experienced similar loss and may have some idea of what you are going through.
Northern Region
Support after
Suicide Group
What Happens at a Group Meeting?
The Group accepts that the many possible
reactions people experience after a suicide are
natural and human reactions to loss.
The Group is a mutual support and sharing group,
where meetings are structured and facilitated by
leaders who assist with:
• Meeting and greeting
• Information on rules, confidentiality and safety
• Opportunities for sharing experiences and
listening to the experiences of others
• Information on topics of interest arising
• Tea, coffee and informal chats after meetings
• Individual follow up of participants between
group meetings if appropriate
The group is an open and on-going group which
does not require regular, ongoing participation.
Attending the group is at the discretion of the
participants who can attend when and if they feel
inclined to do so.
Who?
The group is open to adults who are long term bereaved, where the suicide death aff ecting them occurred more than eighteen months previously
Where do we meet?
Central Launceston location
When?
The group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 7 pm to 9 pm
Cost?
Gold coin donation appreciated
Who do I contact
Lifelink Samaritans 24 hours a day
P: 6331 3355
1300 364 566
E: lifelinksam@intas.net.au (Information only - not befriending)
Other Support and information
If you feel this group is not for you, or the group does not suit your needs, or you are suff ering from a more recent bereavement, talk to Lifelink Samaritans who can off er support and information on support services.
Lifelink Samaritans is a 24 hour, seven days a week,
free, telephone and face to face befriending service
for those in emotional need.
The service has no religious or political
affiliation and is non judgemental and
confidential.
This group is the initiative of and co-ordinated by:
- ARAFMI,
- Kings Meadows Community Health
Social Work
- Lifelink Samaritans (Tas) Inc
- University of Tasmania – Dept of Rural
Health, funded by the Australian
Government Department of Health
and Ageing,
- The Blue Door.
With support from Carers Tasmania, Red Cross,
Aspire, Vietnam Veterans, Laurel House and
General Practice North.
The group acknowledges the sharing, bravery and
wisdom of those bereaved by suicide who were
instrumental in the establishment of this support
group.
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‘Asking for help is a sign of courage not weakness’