Suicide remains the lead cause of death in Greater Manchester for people aged 15-29 the impact of losing some one to suicide can be felt by many people across a community. For this reason, STORM®Skills Training CIC in collaboration with Six Degrees CIC, members of the GM Bereavement Network, including Wendy Cordwell of Bereavement Care Services, co-ordinated a Greater Manchester Suicide Bereavement conference.
The purpose of this free event, chaired by Malcolm Rae of State of Mind, was to support the roll out of the new GM Bereavement by Suicide Pathway. The 100 plus delegates were provided with the opportunity to learn about and explore the services and support available to the bereaved across Greater Manchester, including the Samaritans, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) and Papyrus.
This diversity inspired thought-provoking dialogue in the 12 workshops that were held throughout the day (the full detail of the programme and the workshops are listed at the end of this article).
Delegates commented that they found the conference to be an insightful day which offered opportunity to gain knowledge, network and learn about other related organisations. Delegates were impressed by the presenters and resources provided.