Suicide Bereavement Service won at the annual Health Service Journal Awards
The Suicide Bereavement Service has won a gold award at the annual HSJ Partnership Awards. The service offers emotional and practical support to people across south east London who have lost a loved one to suicide.
The gold award win was in the category for Best Not for Profit Working in Partnership with the NHS and was announced during a ceremony held at Evolution London, on Thursday 21 March, hosted by comedian Miles Jupp.
Representatives from the NHS attended the event, and both the private and third 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.
Founded in 2021, the service is a testament to the power of partnership. The service is a collaboration between Mind in Bexley, along with local Minds in Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark – and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
In 2023 alone, the South East London Suicide Bereavement Service provided over 2,000 hours of support, impacting the lives of 234 people.
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.”
The Suicide Bereavement 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.
To access this service, please visit the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust link: here. The service accepts both self-referrals and professional referrals, as well as referrals for children and young people who feel they would benefit from the support we offer.
If you prefer you can:
Email: suicidebereavement@selmind.org.uk
Call: 07933 393 397
The service opening hours are 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday. Evening appointments are available if required.
For information on all the HSJ Award winner, please click here: https://partnership.hsj.co.uk/winners-2024
Photographed are Miles Jupp: comedian (presented awards), Ian Pearce: Suicide Bereavement Service Community Chaplain, SLaM, Ade Odunlade: SLaM Chief Operating Officer. Amy Kirk-Smith, Service Manager, Laura Hurley-Barrett, Bereavement Counsellor, Grainne Bellenie, Lead for Equalities and Health Inequalities, NHS England (Category judge)
