(u'Lifeline co-facilitator Cath Norris. Picture: BEN EYLES',)
A SUICIDE can leave loved ones with a pain very different to any other death.
“The experience can be quite different, there are lots more questions when someone dies by suicide,” said the co-facilitator of Lifeline’s new Suicide Bereavement Group, Cath Norris.
“There can be a lot more anger, guilt, shame, wondering why; all these thing may not be present in other bereavements.”
That’s why Albury-Wodonga Lifeline has set up a support group to help suicide survivors.
Ms Norris said the group would consist of no more than 12 adults, who would receive and provide support to others bereaved by suicide in a confidential environment.
“It’s about creating a safe space where people bereaved can share together,” she said.
The group can only be joined before the first session, as Ms Norris said there was a need for those involved to feel comfortable with a consistent group of people.
“It’s about safety, because people may talk about things close to them that they may not have talked about before,” she said.
The group will be run by Ms Norris, a suicide intervention trainer, and Heather Hillas, a grief and loss counsellor.
The Border Suicide Bereavement Support Group will meet every second Tuesday from 6pm to 8.30pm, starting Tuesday.
For more information, or to register your interest, contact Lifeline at lifelinealburywodonga.org.au or call (02) 6021 1077.