FAQs - Counselling Service
Why do you offer counselling?
Bereavement can cause many different symptoms and they affect people in different ways. There's no right or wrong way to feel.
Navigating suicide bereavement can be particularly hard. Suicide loss is devastating and quite often adds complicated layers to the already difficult grieving process. We want to give you access to a safe space where you can work through this grief. A counsellor can help you understand any complex, painful emotions and help you develop coping strategies.
What kind of counselling do you offer?
We provide one on one online webcam or telephone counselling support to people who have been bereaved by suicide. Trained counsellors can give you a safe space to understand and navigate your grief, develop coping strategies and explore your thoughts and feelings. We don’t offer group therapy.
How many sessions do you offer?
We are currently able to offer up to 12 sessions. Different people have different needs when it comes to counselling, so exactly how many sessions you need is a discussion that happens between you and your counsellor.
Who delivers the counselling?
Finding a counsellor can be daunting and difficult. We’ve taken the hard work out of the search by partnering with an experienced counselling service who have counsellors who specialise in bereavement. You can find more information about our partner Professional Help.
Do you offer weekend or evening sessions?
We do not usually offer weekend counselling, however we will approach this on a case by case basis if there is an accessibility issue. Our Counselling Service is open Monday to Friday 9am - 9pm so we do cater to evening sessions. All of our counselling is delivered through our trusted partner who offers a range of sessions, and this can be discussed with them once you apply.
Can I apply if I am under 18?
No, we are only able to offer counselling to people over the age of 18. If you or someone you care for is under 18 and needs support, you can find some helpful links on our Help Hub, or seek help from organisations like Child Bereavement UK or Winston’s Wish. You can also call our helpline at 0800 054 8400 to speak to a counsellor from 9am-9pm Monday-Friday.
Do I have to be referred by a GP or can I apply myself?
At the moment we are taking applications directly from individuals seeking support, and you can apply online here.
How long will I have to wait for counselling once I apply?
How long you have to wait could depend on the demand at the time you apply, but we will always aim to respond within 48 hours of your application to let you know it has been received and let you know of any potential delays. Usually, you should be able to speak to someone within a few weeks. However, if there is a wait for counselling you can access our helpline in the meantime at 0800 054 8400 to speak to a trained counsellor from 9am-9pm Monday-Friday.
How soon after I have been bereaved can I apply?
Please see our counselling service information page for more about when to apply for counselling.
I lost someone to suicide a long time ago, can I still apply?
At Suicide&Co we know there is no set end date to when you might need to reach out and ask for help, so you can apply for help even if it has been a long time since you lost someone.
Do I have to pay for counselling?
No, we believe that everyone should be able to access help regardless of their means, so counselling sessions are provided for free. However, we do have an option for Low Cost counselling, where you can contribute towards the cost of your counselling sessions (from £0-£36) if you can do so. We do encourage people who are able to support us with donations or fundraising when and if they feel able to do so, to help us continue to provide support to others.
How is the counselling service funded?
We are a registered charity and all our funding comes from individual donations, group fundraising and grants.
Can I donate to Suicide&Co after my sessions?
Yes! If you feel able to donate you can help us to continue to provide support to other people.
I need help with my application
If you need any support with your application please email support@suicideandco.org