New guide published for people bereaved by suicide

Public Health England has announced the launch of a new guide designed to provide support for people affected by suicide.

The new Help is at Hand guide was authored in large part by individuals who have been bereaved by suicide, and will be distributed by bereavement support organisations and those who are likely to be first on the scene following a suspected suicide.

Offering both emotional and practical support, the guide will be widely promoted online through partnerships with coroners, funeral directors, police, doctors and bereavement counselling and support organisations.

Alistair Burt, community and social care minister, said: "Sometimes just the reassurance that you're not alone is so important and it's extremely brave of those who have been bereaved to help others in a similar situation by putting this guide together."

This comes as part of a cross-governmental strategy calling on a wide range of groups to work together to achieve a reduction in the suicide rate in England, and offer better support for those affected.

The most recent official figures reveal 6,233 suicides of people aged 15 and over were registered in the UK in 2013.