Page 7 - link magazine

Community News

Engaging men in coping

with suicide

Swindon Sobs, the local charity Nationwide in August.
which helps people deal with the The launch event on Friday 8 July
difficult issues around the suicide is being held at the new offices of
of a loved one, is launching a North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson
programme aimed at helping men to at the Orbital Shopping Park in
understand what has affected them. North Swindon.
Retired headteacher Steven Carter Male survivors affected
will share the presentation with by suicide and interested in
Sobs founder Jacky Parry, to explain attending are asked to contact
the lack of support there is for men [email protected]
after his son took his own life, and
how they bottle up their emotions • Swindon Sobs was established in
in isolation. September 2013 to support families
She said: “Swindon Sobs Engaging who have lost a loved one to suicide
Men programme comes out of by breaking the isolation and
how Steve had to understand and helping survivors to talk in a safe,
adjust to losing his son, and how he confidential environment, in which
managed to cope with everyday life they can share their experiences and
and support his family afterwards. feelings.
“Men tend to be more activity Many of the volunteers who
based, so this programme will facilitate the group have themselves
be looking at how to involve and been bereaved by suicide, including
support male grief with social Jacky Parry who started the group
activities based around interests, some years after her brother took
whether it’s watching or taking his own life.
part in sports events as a group, or Jacky said: “Suicide recognises no
whatever would be an interest and social, ethnic or cultural boundaries
a focus for men.” -neither do we. Our groups are free
Monthly evening meetings with of charge and open to all survivors
a focus on social activities and of bereavement by suicide aged 18
events are being planned, including and over.”
a barbecue being hosted by Facebook: Swindon Sobs

£7.55 - £7.65 per hour

www.lifeways.co.uk/careers/

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