Amparo’s Lancashire service extended into 2020

Listening Ear’s Amparo service, supporting those who have been bereaved by  suicide, has received additional funding so that it can continue helping Lancashire residents.

Amparo Fylde Coast and Amparo East Lancashire have both had their funding extended until March 2020, offering vital support to local people thanks to national funding aimed at preventing suicides and supporting those bereaved through suicide in the region.

Louise Thomas, Suicide Prevention Lead for Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria, said “It’s fantastic news that Amparo can continue to offer its invaluable service to people going through the unimaginable. People have told us how lengthy and complex the process following a suspected suicide can be, so having Amparo available to offer expert advice and guidance to support people through this time, is invaluable.”

“We have one of the highest rates of suicide in the country and we know that those bereaved by suicide are at much higher risk, therefore it is crucial we are able to provide immediate help and support to those bereaved.”

Confirmation of the continuation of Amparo’s services will be shared with all front-line workers who are most likely to be in contact with those affected by a suspected suicide – including GPs, firefighters, paramedics, police officers and coroners.

Richard Brown, CEO of Listening Ear, said he was delighted that Amparo could continue to help people in Lancashire who had been bereaved by suicide.  He said “We have mounting evidence that Amparo helps people to survive the difficult days, weeks and months after they lose someone to suicide, and we are pleased that the service is being delivered in more areas across the country.”

More details on Amparo can be found here.