SBS Cumbria publishes first ever Annual Report

August 2020 marks the first full year for Cumbria charity Suicide Bereavement Support Cumbria (SBS Cumbria). The now registered charity had previously operated for a decade as the Cumbria branch of national suicide bereavement support organisation SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide). The recently released Annual Report showcases a year of progress and achievements for the organization.

Losing a loved one to suicide has been compared to a life sentence, and SBS Cumbria provides a lifebelt for those whose lives have been touched in the form of targeted peer support. This support can come in the form of meetings, an online community via social media and a website, or one-to-one support by dedicated volunteer facilitators, all of whom have been bereaved by suicide themselves.

Cumbrian police have reported a “dramatic surge” in the number of people taking their own lives in the area as the coronavirus epidemic has upended every part of society. Each and every life lost by suicide causes absolute devastation to those left behind, no matter the circumstance: SBS Cumbria will remain committed to supporting families and loved ones through this dark hour.

Over the first year, SBS Cumbria: 

·      gained a new patron

Priest and author Marie-Elsa Bragg joined SBS Cumbria as patron in 2020, saying “When I look at SBS, I see it is a charity that shows yet more evidence that there are good people in this world; and that the caring culture of Cumbria is a part of who we are.” 

·      saw a 70% increase in referrals during the first half of 2020

The first two quarters of 2020 saw a huge increase in people contacting us for the first time. This increase could be due to a combination of several factors, including the launch of a new group in Barrow, an increase in people in the area taking their own life due to upheaval caused by Covid-19.

·      formed a new group in Barrow-in-Furness

SBS Cumbria now runs four groups, in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal and Whitehaven with the Barrow group opening its doors for the first time this year.

·      rose to the challenge of Covid-19

SBS Cumbria adapted quickly to life in lockdown, switching to weekly online meetings. Although online meetings can never fully replace meeting in person, these sessions have been a great source of comfort during what has been a difficult time for everyone. 

Download the full report here.

If you have been bereaved by suicide and want to reach out, call the helplines on 07572 975 721 (John) or 07896 703 757 (Karan), or e-mail info@sbs.org.uk.