Suicide Bereavement Support Group Volunteer
Support After Suicide Bereavement (SoBS)
Have you been bereaved by suicide? Would you like to use your experience to support others who are facing a similar loss?
We are looking for compassionate volunteers to help establish Support After Suicide Bereavement (SoBS) groups in Stoke‑on‑Trent and North Staffordshire.
If you are a good organiser, a confident communicator, and comfortable listening to the experiences of others, this could be a rewarding opportunity to help people through one of the most difficult times in their lives.
About the Role
SoBS runs self‑help support groups across the UK for people who have been bereaved by suicide.
Groups provide a safe and supportive space where people can:
Listen and be listened to
Share their experiences if they wish
Ask questions
Connect with others who understand what they are going through
Groups typically meet once a month and sessions last around 2 hours.
Many groups currently meet online via Zoom, with face‑to‑face meetings taking place when appropriate.
How the Groups Work
Each local SoBS group is run by a team of three volunteers:
One Group Leader
Two Group Volunteers
All volunteers involved in facilitating groups will have been bereaved by suicide themselves.
Together, the team:
Welcome and support group members
Help conversations get started
Ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak if they choose
Look out for the wellbeing of participants and fellow volunteers
Support group administration, communication, and fundraising activities
Additional support volunteers may also help with these tasks.
What Happens at a Group Meeting?
There is no set agenda. People can talk, listen, or simply attend as they feel comfortable.
Topics often include:
Sharing personal experiences
Coping with grief and loss
Changes since the last meeting
Questions about coroners and related processes
Supporting children after a bereavement
Managing flashbacks and difficult emotions
Challenges of everyday life after suicide loss
Some groups also provide:
A small resource library
Information about local support services
Who We're Looking For
People who have been bereaved by suicide
Good listeners with empathy and patience
Confident communicators
Organised and reliable individuals
Team players who can help create a supportive environment
Why Volunteer?
Support others who have experienced suicide bereavement
Help establish a much‑needed local support network
Use your lived experience in a meaningful way
Be part of a supportive volunteer team
Help create a safe place where people can connect, share, and heal
If you want to help ensure that nobody faces suicide bereavement alone, we'd love to hear from you.