Samaritans

Samaritans runs free online peer support groups for people bereaved by suicide.

Samaritans Support

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24 Hour Helpline
116 123

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Around 6,000 people die by suicide each year across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Each death can cause intense grief and emotional distress for friends, family and the wider community.

The evidence suggests that people who are bereaved by suicide can themselves be at higher risk.

But, often, local areas don’t offer bereavement support or the provision patchy and inadequate.

We want policy-makers to make sure every person bereaved by suicide can get the help they need when they need it.

Facing the Future, Samaritans runs free online peer support groups for people bereaved by suicide.

Facing the Future groups give you the opportunity to meet others who have lost someone to suicide and share your experiences and feelings.

You can find out more about the groups and book a place on the Facing the Future website.

Visit Facing The Future

What do Facing the Future groups involve?

Support groups run weekly for six consecutive weeks and last for 90 minutes with up to 10 participants. Groups are free of charge and are run by two trained volunteer facilitators from Samaritans. There are a variety of days and times available.

Understanding

Grieving because of suicide can make us feel very alone, suffering from a kind of loss we may feel others do not understand. Participants tell us it’s helpful to talk with others who have experienced a similar loss.

Safety

Participants say they feel safe in the group. They’re free to express themselves with others who are also grieving as a result of suicide.

Coping

The group supports one another to come to conclusions that often lead to acceptance and increased hope for facing the future. Everyone who has taken part in a group has said they would recommend groups to others.

Respect

Participants feel they are listened to in a respectful environment. Even when people are sharing things they may never have said out loud before, there is a non-judgemental and supportive atmosphere.

testimonials

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    Sophie Spurgeon 
 21 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Robert, James and all at H&W went above and beyond to support us during such a difficult time for the family during the recent passing of our grandmother. She didn't want a funeral but they supported us to create a small and meaningful celebration of her life before cremation and took care of everything with such care and professionalism. Highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Debbie W 
 1 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My brother requested no funeral, so we had a direct cremation.  I wanted to be there though to see his coffin pass through the crematorium chapel. The result was very dignified and exactly as I’d hoped. Simon Head and his team are lovely - kind, caring people who make it all look effortless but clearly work very hard to achieve this level of professionalism. I couldn’t recommend highly enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Emily Brittain 
 21 October 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic service, really caring and supportive throughout process
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    D “D” 
 24 July 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This lovely family really care about what they do. Sadly, I’ve had to use them twice now I lost my mother and then very recently, my father. Simon and Catherine and everybody at Head And Wheeble are also very kind, thoughtful and supportive. One meeting and then I never had to repeat anything they took care of it all and let me get involved as much as I wanted to. Thank you for helping me to get through everything.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Sarah Obrien 
 21 June 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A very caring and professional company from when they took my dad till the service they clearly care about what they do and a excellent service is provided thankyou
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Nicola Nelson 
 12 January 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend them enough. So kind and sensitive. So professional. They made my father's funeral so special.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Paula Haynes 
 29 September 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. For a second time we have been in the best possible hands. Simon and his team looked after us  with absolute professionalism, warmth, understanding and humour which saw us through another unbelievably sad time. From the very beginning they were with us, and we feel that even now their kindness continues to quietly ripple through. What a wonderful bunch of people - thank you!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Maxwell 
 6 September 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I haven’t tried them out yet. But got advertised a cremation and burial for £995. Dying to try it out
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Susan King 
 6 March 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Head & Wheble are exceptional funeral directors who I can highly recommend.  My brother passed away under unfortunate circumstances and we nearly gave him a direct cremation. Thank God we came to senses the day before the cremation was due to take place. Cheryl was extremely understanding of our change of mind and reorganised everything for us at very short notice. This was all handled with kindness and nothing was too much trouble. We don't live in Bournemouth so everything was arranged over the telephone and email. Cheryl recommended a celebrant, Chris Kelly, who delivered the service with caring and professionalism.  H&W also recommended a venue for the reception afterward. The crematorium was beautiful and my brother got a decent send-off and this was all thanks to Cheryl and the team.