Family Liaison Service

Our Service

Supporting families bereaved by suicide

One of the objectives of the ‘Protect life’ Suicide Prevention Strategy is to ensure that accessible information and timely support, both at community / voluntary and statutory level is available to all those bereaved by suicide and to encourage the development of support groups/networks.

When asked what would have helped, one family said: “Someone to talk to who knew about suicide.” In response to this the Western Trust has initiated the Family Liaison Services throughout the Western area. Those bereaved by suicide are considered to be a vulnerable and high-risk group and area priority for support within the strategy.

What support is provided by the Family Liaison Service?

We carry out a needs assessment. We provide practical support and guidance re: the feelings experienced, the investigation of the death and the sorting out of affairs. We provide short term follow up support. We provide reading materials. We refer to statutory and/or voluntary helping services. We invite bereaved family members to join the local support groups, which we facilitate.

Who can be referred to the family Liaison Service?

Any one directly affected by a death by suicide can avail of this service:

• Any one can self refer to the service
• GP referral
• Statutory service
• Community / voluntary service

How to make a referral to the service

Phone your local Suicide Liaison Officer (See Contacts below). You will be asked to provide a brief history and contact details for an initial meeting will be arranged within 48 hours to help identify support.

Further Resources

• Lifeline
• The 24 hr LIFELINE service provides support and referral to face-to-face counselling or other alternative therapies to those who are feeling low, anxious, depressed or in despair 0808 808 8000 (Calls are free from all landlines and mobiles).

Locations where this service is delivered

• Altnagelvin Area Hospital
• Community Services
• South West Acute Hospital

Contacts