Amparo Support Following Suicide: Taking Action
In 2003, after a family in Merseyside experienced a sudden suicide, Listening Ear took action to make sure people in similar situations would never have to face it alone. Amparo was established, as a dedicated service providing support for anyone affected by suicide; family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, professionals, witnesses, finders and acquaintances. We understand that the impact of a suicide can be far-reaching and ensured that our specialist support was open to all.
When someone dies by suicide, the impact on the people around them can be huge. Research has suggested that as many as 135 people can be affected by any single suicide. Many people tell us they feel shocked, confused, guilty, and unsure what to do next; “Never did I imagine in my wildest dreams I would need support from Amparo. It was like an explosion, the pain and devastation will never leave me. I remember that evening getting a call from the coroner’s office telling me they had passed my details over to Amparo. At that moment I couldn’t even imagine how I’d be able to speak about finding mum and didn’t think I’d be able to talk. I received a call from our local liaison worker; such a lovely lady, I knew from the tone of her voice, she truly cared about our new situation and simply wanted to be there for me. From January and ongoing we arrange a chat and she listens and most importantly comforts and reassures me that all the feelings I’m having and have had are normal and I’m not alone. I truly don’t know what I’d have done without the support from Amparo.”
Listening Ear had already been supporting children, young people and adults through bereavement and loss for many years, becoming the first BACP accredited service in Merseyside in 2003, but we recognised that suicide loss brings a unique type of grief, as well as specific challenges such as liaising with the police, coroners, and sometimes the media. We knew people needed support straight away, not weeks or months later.
Amparo was designed to provide that immediate, emotional and practical support.
Since 2003, we’ve become one of the largest suicide postvention services in the country.
Our Actions: What Amparo Does
Our local Suicide Liaison Workers provide fast, personalised support and will be in touch within 48 hours of a referral to:
- guide you through the inquest process
- help you understand what happens next
- support communication with the police and coroners
- prepare you for any media interest
- offer practical and emotional support
- connect you with longer‑term services if you want them
- provide a personalised community response plan when a community is affected
Support is client led and work at your pace.
Why This Matters
Research shows that people affected by suicide can be at higher risk of struggling with their own wellbeing. Taking action early – through practical guidance, clear information and steady support – can make a real difference. That’s why postvention (support after suicide) is also a form of prevention.
Support Beyond the First Weeks
Our support is open-ended, meaning we’re here to provide one to one support for as long as you need us, but support doesn’t end after your last appointment:
- We offer local remembrance events for people to gather together to remember loved ones. Events range from traditional remembrance services to community walks. Too often, people express complex feelings remembering the loss of their loved ones, so these events provide an opportunity to celebrate their lives with others who know how it feels.
- Our ‘Cup of Calm’ sessions provide a safe space for anyone affected by suicide to gather together and find calm through peer support. These meetings provide an informal space to connect with others experiencing the effects of a suicide.
- Amparo Aftercare sessions are available to those who have accessed Amparo counselling (counselling is location specific ). Aftercare groups take part in a range of different activities, from crafts to wellbeing activities. These sessions ensure that support is still there for as long as you need it.
- We regularly attend suicide prevention and postvention events and conferences in the local communities to raise awareness of the importance of specialist support. This helps to ensure that professionals and other support services are able to respond to a suicide in a sensitive and timely manner.
We’re Here to Support You
Our aim is simple: to make sure anyone affected by suicide receives timely, practical and compassionate support. You don’t have to manage everything on your own – we’re here to help you through each step.
Nothing is ever too big to talk about. We’re here for you.