Amparo means ‘shelter’ or ‘safe haven’ in Spanish and provides support for anyone affected by suicide. Support can be provided one-to-one, 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.

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 following areas can access Amparo: Merseyside and Cheshire; Lancashire; South Yorkshire and Suffolk.

A copy of Help is at Hand, a comprehensive guide to support after suicide, can be downloaded here.

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