The Purpose of Writing a Suicide Bereavement Blog

Must say I am absolutely thrilled with the response that I have had to my blog, especially, the number of people who have taken the time to read it and provide such positive feedback.  This is only the third day that my blog has been live and already one NHS Trust has informed me that they are going to inform their staff of my blog via their staff intranet.  Also, a senior lecturer at the University of Manchester has told me that he was going to inform his student nurses of my blog.  Wow, if that can happen in just three days, who knows what can happen in 12 months!  Watch this space…….

It is becoming apparent to me that this blog could be used as a platform to advance our understanding of suicide bereavement for both those bereaved by suicide and those responsible for their care.  Equally, it could be used to give a voice to those who have been bereaved or affected by suicide.  This includes front line staff whose needs are barely considered, even though we are dependent upon them for their sensitivity compassion and care.

Whilst I am excited at the possible opportunities this blog could create in the future, I am also mindful of the responsibilities associated with writing about such a sensitive issue.  It is therefore important to state the purpose of my blog which is as follows:

Purpose of Blog

• To describe my experiences whilst conducting my Winston Churchill Travel Fellowship to Australia and New Zealand and to learn how they care for those bereaved by suicide;
• To share my knowledge and keep you updated on new developments in this newly developing field;
•  To create opportunities were we can debate and explore issues surrounding suicide bereavement.  Ultimately,  learn from one another;
• To talk about the research I am conducting and the  training I am currently developing;
• To update you on my progress as I lead an initiative to develop a suicide bereavement research unit, which is  in collaboration with  the Centre for Mental Health and Risk at the University of Manchester  (http://www.bbmh.manchester.ac.uk/cmhr/) and Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust (http://www.penninecare.nhs.uk/about-us.htm) ; and
• Most importantly, help others to understand and not fear coming into contact with those bereaved by suicide.

Role and Responsibilities of the Author

It is important to note that I am a researcher who has been bereaved by suicide.  However, I am not a clinician and so I am not in a position to offer advice or support to anyone that responds to my posts.

This blog is not a support network for those bereaved by suicide.

If you are in crisis and struggling to cope please contact either your GP or the Samaritans on  08457  909090