Open invite to evening for those affected by suicide

Renfrewshire support group Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) are holding an open evening for those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

 

The informal meeting will take place on Wednesday 22 December between 6:30pm and 8.30pm at the Wynd Centre, 6 School Wynd, Paisley. There will be a chance to chat over mince pies, tea and coffee for those in attendance.

SOBS are a self-help organisation and aim to provide a safe, confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings.

The Renfrewshire group meets on the last Wednesday of every month at the Wynd Centre, between 7pm and 8.30pm, and anyone who feels they can benefit from the support the group offer is encouraged to come along.

Councillor Iain McMillan, Convenor of Renfrewshire Council’s Social Work, Health and Policy Board, said: “If you have been affected by suicide then please take this opportunity to come along to the meeting. The support group provides a safe space for those with similar experiences to seek help, advice and comfort.

“It is extremely important that we can speak openly on the issue of suicide. Talking really can save lives so if you, or someone you know, could benefit from the group then please come along.”

Lisa Aitken, Choose Life Young Person’s Resource Worker said: “Those bereaved by suicide have explained that losing someone to suicide is different and that meeting others who have been bereaved by suicide helps, as they truly understand what being bereaved by suicide feels like.

The National SOBS helpline can be reached on 0844 561 6855, and the number for Breathing Space is 0800 83 85 87 and Samaritan’s is 116 123.

Locally residents of Renfrewshire can contact FIRSTCrisis on 0141 848 9090.

For more information on the monthly SOBS meetings call 0141 849 2200 or email elizabeth.aitken@renfrewshire.gov.uk.