Amparo means ‘shelter’ or ‘safe haven’ in Spanish and provides support for anyone affected by suicide. Support can be provided to anyone in South Yorks on a one-to-one basis, to family groups, groups of colleagues or peers – whatever is preferred by you and is most appropriate to your situation. The service can be delivered in your home or wherever you are most comfortable. Our service is completely confidential and can provide short-term or longer-term support, depending on what you feel it is you need.
Amparo is not a counselling service but it does provide emotional and practical support. Our experienced Liaison Workers can listen to your needs and assist you in accessing the support you need, whilst helping with a range of practical matters such as: dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending inquest and helping you to access other, appropriate, local support services.
Due to social distancing requirements, Amparo South Yorks is currently being offered by telephone or via video link.
The coroner or police officer will offer to refer Next of Kin, significant family members or people that find somebody that has taken their own life, to Amparo immediately following a suspected suicide. Alternatively, with your consent, other agencies can make a referral on your behalf at any stage in your bereavement, or you can refer yourself. The service is not just for Next of Kin – anyone affected by suicide and living in the South Yorks area can access Amparo.
A copy of Help is at Hand, a comprehensive guide to support after suicide, can be downloaded here.
- "We strongly felt that Amparo was the best support agency we dealt with during this difficult time and that A was a credit to your company"
- "Somebody arriving at my home who really DID know what was happening to me was wonderful and allowed me to say what I wanted/needed and not just what my visitors felt I ought to be saying"
- "It was comforting to know there was someone I could call if necessary"
- "I was just amazed that somebody cared about the people on the periphery of a suicide and did something specifically for them. Much appreciated"
- "One night I sat with all the paperwork you left for me - months after the event - it was very helpful and soothing. Thank you"
- "I didn't expect any help or know of any help which I should perhaps be entitled to. You were an unexpected blessing"
- "Somebody visiting me for ME, not just for more 'official' reasons or questions to answer"
Outcomes
- 75% of respondents to the Amparo satisfaction questionnaire said that they strongly agreed that they were treated with respect and dignity (16% said that they agreed)
- 92% said they felt better after contact from Amparo (8% said that they felt partly better)
- 75% said they were very satisfied with the Amparo service provided (17% said satisfied and 8% neither satisfied nor unsatisfied)
- No direct Amparo beneficiary has gone on to take their own life
After Amparo
Listening Ear supports every Amparo beneficiary to access a Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) group in areas where SOBS operate. We also support beneficiaries to access the following services when appropriate:
PAPYRUS
(Prevention of Young Suicide)
Free and confidential
0800 068 41 41
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
5pm to midnight
0800 58 58 58
Samaritans
A safe place for you to talk any time you like
24hrs free
116 123
Listening Ear has a wide network of partners in each locality where the service operates. Liaison Workers support beneficiaries with accessing other forms of community support, including counselling for children and adults, debt and housing advice and more.
We are proud members of the Support After Suicide Partnership (SASP). We collaboratively work within the SASP network of organisations and charities who strive to provide appropriate and timely support to those bereaved by suicide.