Secondary Care

I have recently come in to post to work as a Bereavement and End of Life Nurse Specialist. As part of my development, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the one-day PABBS suicide bereavement training day. I cannot recommend this training day enough. The speakers were very welcoming and professional, and the session was very informative and driven by evidence-based theory. I gained a valuable insight into the lives of those affected by suicide and gained new skills, knowledge and understanding of the true impact of suicide and the ripple effect that it can have on family, friends, and professionals. There was a good mix of backgrounds from the attendees which created a rich learning environment and an excellent networking environment too. The environment was a safe place for open and honest discussions and learning. The training day has certainly helped build my confidence in caring for those bereaved or affected by suicide. I am looking forward to attending future training modules.

I attended the PABBS course in Gloucester on 23^rd November 2021.  The training was a valuable experience. Focus was on Postvention, an important area often overlooked historically for survivors of suicide of friends and families that have taken their lives. The course was handled sensitively by the facilitators. There were clear presentations with information provided on recent clinical research into the area . Sharing experience with attendees helped support confidence, to those who have come into contact with families. I would encourage both statutoru and non-statutory members to attend.

Having personally witnessed the emotional and psychological carnage that can erupt following a suicide (for both families, clinicians, and the wider community). I now recognise the need for open, honest, and supportive channels of communication. This training program delivers the structure for this in a no-nonsense, well-designed approach, from skilled and knowledgeable speakers who have experienced this from either a personal or professional perspective. This is an essential program that should be actively embraced if we are to support those affected to overcome the aftermath of suicide, and I would implore all NHS Scotland boards to embrace this postvention model and help break down the barriers that can so often hinder the grieving process.

“Before the training commenced I was worried the content would be really sombre and draining but I was totally wrong; it was delivered so professionally and in such a way that it was interesting, informative and very respectful.  The interaction with the facilitators was great, attendees around the room were interactive and there was a real interest vibe from everyone.  I took quite a bit from the course, it made me look at suicide bereavement in a completely different way; I hadn’t realised how many people are affected by it and I certainly wasn’t aware of the stigma surrounding suicide.  In my role as a Prison Family Liaison Officer I am the person who breaks the news to the next of kin of their loved one’s death, the PABBS training helped me understand the support I need to offer, the best way to approach issues and also to think about the wider picture of professionals who may be impacted from the death.  The training was excellent and will be a useful tool for me and my colleagues moving forward.”

“The PABBS course contained a very good balance of information and practical guidance around creating an effective Suicide Postvention response. The presenters were experienced and knowledgeable and the opportunity to learn from them and engage with the other course participants has increased my understanding and confidence around helping to manage my organisation’s response to a suicide, should it ever be necessary. Thank you very much for an extremely useful training day”

“I attended the PABBS training in Manchester in May 2021.  I had been catapulted into the strange world of suicide in October 2019 when our son, Cameron, died by suicide.  Making any sense of this new journey in life takes multiple inputs and PABBS has been a significant part of the post-suicide journey for me. Barry and Liz were outstanding speakers but also excellent hosts for the event, making me feel welcome and cared for in what was quite an emotionally-charged day. My fellow delegates were also a remarkable group of people who impacted me in a very positive way.  Barry’s quote of the day will stay with me forever: “In the world of suicide, today’s postvention is tomorrow’s prevention.”  Thank you, PABBS, for an inspirational day of training and for helping me move forward in my grief”

“I feel privileged to have attended and I strongly recommend we promote attendance within our KMPT family. I strongly believe if we can field enough we have an opportunity to change cultures, save lives and offer truly meaning postvention, not just those personally bereaved but those professionally to”

“I attended Kent’s first cohort of Postvention Assisting Those Bereaved by Suicide and admittedly I wasn’t entirely sure what I was expecting and I say openly, this was the most thought provoking and strangely energising CPD course ever attended”

“I would like to say that this training is one of the best trainings I have attended for some time. Both facilitators were easy to listen to and each owned a wealth of knowledge that they were happy to share. I felt that everyone felt comfortable in asking questions and joining in group discussions. Prior to the course I thought that due to the subject matter the course would be dry. However, it was made enjoyable and fun, leaving me wanting more. Thank you to both of you”

“The PABBS training was a day well spent. Sharon and Barry are excellent facilitators that bring enthusiasm and compassion to a topic which is often taboo in communities. The mix of research, experience and facilitation skills of the trainers is evident. I left the training feeling more confident and skilled to support and care for individuals and communities bereaved by suicide. I would highly recommend this training to anyone working in suicide prevention, intervention or postvention”

I deliver training, work with trainers and attend training Dr Sharon McDonnell, Suicide Bereavement UK and yours [PABBS] in Manchester pre-covid was among the best I have attended. I left feeling further motivated when working with those bereaved by suicide. As you always say this comes from you as a professional and a person and it shows!

“PABBS training delivers the knowledge needed to engage effectively with people bereaved by suicide. The aftermath is often devastating and far reaching so knowing what support to consider is a must.”

There were no issues for me with the COVID-19 arrangements.

I found the training [PABBS] invaluable and has offered me some great ideas on how to support people after suicide. It was great to hear people’s lived experience and to know that it is ok not to have all the answers but to simply be there for them afterwards can be enough.

It was a fantastic day, where a difficult subject was handled well.

I have known families in both my personal and professional life, who have been bereaved by suicide and have felt ill equipped to know how to best care for them. This training has provided great insight in how to support families and professionals through this challenging time.