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Unique Populations (eg: Politicians, Prisons, Addiction Services etc)

Testimonials

Sonya Johnston, Intrim Addiction, Services Manager/NMP, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, Community Addiction Services.. Northern Ireland

PABBS training provides a safe environment for those attending to consider the wider impact suicide has on all those involved from immediate/extended family, friends and staff members involved in the care of the individual. The research and information given on the day was thought provoking and reminded me as a mental health professional that much more needs to be considered postvention as often we are more focused on risk assessments and professional worry regarding the care we provide.

As an addictions practitioner I was delighted to see the inclusion of substance use in the discussion as I am very much aware of the increasing risk associated with this and the impulsivity of individuals using during high risk times. I feel PABBS training promoted and highlighted how mental health and addiction services must work more closely together in order to respond better to those in need.

PABBS – Belfast – June 2022

Tim Maguire, Humanist Celebrant,, Honorary Chaplain to the University of Edinburgh

I found the training timely, inspiring and useful. As a celebrant, I’m well aware of the stigma that still surrounds suicide and the difficulty we have with talking about it. It hasn’t been part of my direct experience as a chaplain and a member of the listening service but it’s only a matter of time before it does, and I now feel much better prepared to deal with it and the effect it will have not only on those directly involved but the wider community around it.

 

I wish you well in your work.

PABBS – Edinburgh – May 17th 2022

Josephine Ramm, Researcher/bereavement support volunteer

‘I found it really important that the training was backed by research, so we could be sure that we were learning what people bereaved by suicide actually want from us as professionals. It was also incredibly valuable to receive the training from people with an absolute wealth of knowledge of the field, who were also warm human and responsive to the group’

PABBS – Kent & Medway – December 2021

Rachel Oleisky, Engagement & Communications Co-ordinator, HMP Doncaster, Doncaster

“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.”

PABBS – Doncaster Prisons – July 2021

Claire Hoggart, TRiM Implementation Manager, Prison Reform, Doncaster

“I found the training really useful and I truly believe it can make a difference to our workplace and staff if used correctly and effectively in turn our prisoners will feel more supported too”

PABBS Training – Doncaster Prison – July 2021

Lewis Walmsley, Community Practitioner, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, North West

I thought the training was fantastic, it made me feel much more confident in supporting those bereaved by suicide going forward. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for people I am working with to be affected by suicide or families to be affected by bereavement – particularly by drug overdose, which can have a similar devastating effect on families to suicide. Before the training it has been something I have felt quite uncomfortable with and felt I may be intruding in on grieving families. The PABBS training has shown me that offering support is not an intrusion and I have gained both confidence and knowledge which will help me to offer more effective support. I also appreciated being made aware of the resources and support out there which I will utilise, the manual issued in the training has been particularly helpful.
PABBS in-house training – Sunderland – November 2019

Lynne Neagle, MP, Welsh Assembly Member for Torfaen, Wales

The PABBS Evidence-based Suicide Bereavement Training was really informative and I learnt so much from the day, which was very well structured,  with the right mix of presentations, discussion and above all, the opportunity to listen to those bereaved by suicide about what had helped them.   Having been apprehensive about attending as a non-practitioner, I am so glad I went as this is everyone’s business.   I am looking forward to using what I learnt to push for better support for those bereaved by suicide in the Assembly.
PABBS training – Manchester – April 2018

Madeleine Moon, MP for Bridgend, Wales

One of the most vulnerable communities are those bereaved by suicide. Dr Sharon McDonnell, Director of Suicide Bereavement UK at the University of Manchester and Support After Suicide Partnership are carrying out research into the services available for those bereaved by suicide to prevent future deaths. I’m sending out details for surgeries of honourable members, but could we have a debate on suicide bereavement and its impact on families and friends, but also, will the leader of the house support me in encouraging members to circulate the survey to their constituencies.
House of Commons – Thursday 23 November 2017

Madeleine Moon, MP for Bridgend, Wales

We have to look at how we support families, including families of men who die by suicide … How do we support families and communities? For those who wish to understand how we can support those families, I recommend the excellent work of Sharon McDonnell at the University of Manchester.
House of Commons – 2015

Mark Durkan, MP, Social Democratic and Labour Party

The Trust has a Suicide Liaison Officer, Barry McGale, who does not just work well locally, but is globally active and is part of progressive policy-pushing network on the subject. When people spoke about the Derry model, part of what they meant was that suicide liaison service.
House of Commons – 2013

Madeleine Moon, MP for Bridgend, Wales

I recommend that the Minister read the work of Dr Sharon McDonnell […] She has researched how health professionals […] interact with bereaved families […] I urge the Minister to discuss not only the changes that she has identified as necessary but how we can move forward and ensure that we change families’ experience.
House of Commons – 2012