WOKINGHAM council have launched a new suicide bereavement service, which will provide more support to families who have been affected by suicide.

The Bereaved by Suicide project will be delivered by Victim Support, which is an independent charity that provides practical and emotional support to victims of traumatic incidents.

A specialist case worker is set to work closely with families to ensure they have emotional support and practical help including arranging counselling as well as help in organising funerals and accessing support funds.

Councillor Charles Margetts believes the service is needed after 63 suicides were reported in Berkshire in the last year.

He said: “We have been working closely with Victim Support and appreciate the need for this dedicated service with a devastating 63 suicides reported in Berkshire in the last year.

“This service will provide specialised confidential support, tailored to the needs of individuals, for as long as it is needed. Our specialist team is ready and willing to help. We urge those in need to get in contact.”

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The scheme has been produced by the Wokingham Borough Council, Slough Borough Council and Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Kultar Nayyar, services director at Victim Support, added: “We know from our work just how devastating the impact of suicide is on families.

“Through our dedicated case workers, our aim is to provide practical help to reduce their stress and help build their resilience and wellbeing through emotional support.”

Bereaved families can also use this service to access information on practicalities such as housing arrangements and benefits.

This project is part of the Berkshire Suicide Prevention Strategy will start on July 1.

For more information, visit: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/south-east/bereaved-suicide-service-berkshire.