The idea
BYIB delivers art-based therapeutic bereavement groups throughout Lancashire, offering a supportive environment for those impacted by suicide to share their stories and emotions. These weekly sessions emphasis; navigating grief, fostering healing, and combating isolation within the community.
Expanding its outreach, BYIB is creating a second book, requested due to demand by external services and individuals, to build awareness and provide essential tools and gateways for suicide prevention. The project encourages proactive discussions through community conversations and training programmes, aiming to engage people in reducing risk and promoting open dialogue. BYIB provides an alternative to medication, easing strain on GP services while empowering individuals to communicate and cope effectively. Supported by the NHS CAD team. The initiative seeks to dismantle stigma surrounding conversations about death and create a ripple effect of positive support among families and friends.
What we'll deliver
- One to one therapy. Immediate access to help after a suicide. Buddy system, group support, community connections.
- Book and outreach.
- Training -speaking listening holding space -
Why it's a great idea
- Reduces the strain on GP services by offering an alternative to medication through therapeutic support.
-Immediate accessibility.
- Building connection and friendships which continue outside of the group.
- Empowers people with confidence, purpose and essential tools for suicide prevention and coping mechanisms via the new book.
- Promotes open dialogue and proactive discussions about grief and suicide, fostering awareness and reducing stigma.
- Supports people in understanding and addressing complex emotions, mitigating long-term impacts.
- Creates a ripple effect of positive influence, strengthening familial and community relationships.
- Provides training programmes that equip individuals with skills to engage and support others effectively.
Our groups have an age range between 16 and 76.
We have a flexible approach to sessions and sometimes have outside days walking, foraging encouraging diversity and inclusivity of those not inclined to access mainstream services.
Steps to get it done
- Provide new groups to new parts of Lancashire with NHS support
- Make a further 500 copies of our book 'the lonely path'
- Add books to suicide bereavement boxes made at Pendleside hospice
- Distribute books to other hospices/ funeral parlours/ other
- Create and print a second book of poetry for the future
- Take exhibition to other public spaces across Lancashire
