Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS)

Aim

We exist to meet the needs and break the isolation experienced by those impacted by suicide.

Each year in the UK, more than 6000 people take their own life – each suicide has a devastating and lasting impact on their families, friends and communities. Faced with a sudden, often unexpected and sometimes violent death, the bereaved experience a complex grief which typically includes strong feelings of guilt, self-reproach and questioning.

Discomfort, shame and stigma associated with suicide can make it difficult to talk about. There may be further complexities not common to normal bereavements such as inquests, media coverage, trauma reactions and difficult family relationships.

Those bereaved by suicide often feel isolated at a time when they are hurting, suffering mental anguish and are vulnerable themselves to thoughts of suicide. Even those fortunate enough to have strong support networks can still feel alone, unable to share their true feelings for fear of their impact on others, particularly when they are also in a caring role for others who are bereaved.

There are hundreds of thousands of people in the UK who have been deeply affected by suicide. The emotional, quality of life and financial impacts are long-lasting and wide-reaching. It is a major public health issue.

We exist to meet the needs and break the isolation experienced by those bereaved by suicide. We are a self-help organisation and we aim to provide a safe, confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings, giving and gaining support from each other. We also strive to improve public awareness and maintain contact with many other statutory and voluntary organisations.

"When I came to SoBS it was the first time in nearly 20 years I was able to fully share the depth of my loss with anyone who understood exactly what I had gone through.

The experience for me, was so transformative, I committed to doing the training that SoBS provide, and I am now a volunteer for my local group.

Sadly our group continues to grow. Each month there are new enquiries, and new faces joining the monthly meeting, each dealing with the enormity of their grief. Unlike any other bereavement, it is widely acknowledged that suicide creates significant complexities and difficulties to come to terms with, if ever.

It is a moving privilege to be part of an initiative to change attitudes to suicide, to provide a chance for those who have suffered that loss to meet fellow survivors and provide a space for them to express themselves. British Airways should be proud to recognise some of their most isolated and unconnected colleagues in raising awareness of, and supporting, this transformational charity."

Tom Bliss
Captain Airbus

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 1st November 2026 at 8:00pm