South East London Suicide Bereavement Service receives HSJ Gold award

THE South East London Suicide Bereavement Service has been awarded a Gold at the HSJ Awards. This vital service offers emotional and practical support to people across South East London who have lost a loved one to suicide.

The Gold win was announced during an impressive ceremony held at Evolution London, recently, hosted by comedian Miles Jupp.

Representatives from the NHS attended the event, and both the private and charity sector as well as key players from non-clinical backgrounds, all came together to celebrate the importance of positive partnerships and acknowledge how these underpin the future of the NHS.

The power of partnership

Founded in 2021, the service is a testament to the power of partnership. Three organisations have come together to deliver this essential support:

• South East London Mind
• Mind in Bexley
• South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

Together, the service provides:

• Person-centered support: We tailor our services to meet the individual needs of each person seeking help.
• Flexibility: We understand that grief manifests differently for everyone, and we offer flexible support options.
• Non-judgmental environment: We create a safe space where people feel comfortable expressing their emotions without fear of judgment.

Making a Measurable Difference

In 2023 alone, the South East London Suicide Bereavement Service provided over 2,000 hours of support, impacting the lives of 234 people.

SEL Mind and its partners are committed to continuing this vital work, offering a beacon of hope and support to those who need it most.

Gold Standard of Care

Amy Kirk-Smith, service manager, said:

“The HSJ Award recognises the dedication and expertise of our staff and our partner organisations. This gold award signifies that the South East London Suicide Bereavement Service is delivering exceptional care to those who need it most. It takes a special kind of person to work in this field; this award is a credit to the amazing staff team, who approach their challenging work with such commitment and compassion.

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and remain committed to providing vital support to people across South East London who have lost loved ones to suicide

“We would like to dedicate this award to the late Cameron Langlands, who was so valued in this partnership and without whom the service would not be where it is today.”

Get in touch

To access this service, please visit the South London and Maudsley NHS Suicide Bereavement Service page. They accept both self-referrals and professional referrals, as well as referrals for children and young people who feel they would benefit from the support they offer.

If you prefer you can email: suicidebereavement@selmind.org.uk or call: 07933 393 397.

Normal service opening hours are 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. Evening appointments are available if required.