SSBSS - Suicide Bereavement Buddy

Overview of Role:

• Support someone who has been bereaved suicide by providing a space for the Engager to talk about their loss.
• Work to an agreed plan/process for Buddy engagements.
• Understanding of GDPR.

Hours required:

• Supervision discretion

Location:

• Home – telephone support

Training provided:

• Safeguarding for vulnerable adults and children.
• SSBSS organisation protocol and where the role fits within it.
• Mind in Somerset Policies & Procedures.
• Whole service offering and appropriate sign-posting.
• What is a Debriefer and how to utilise this.
• Supervision and self-care.

Personal Attributes required:

• Lived experience of bereavement by suicide.
• The ability to recognise that the Buddy role is not about your personal bereavement.
•  A willingness to learn about suicide prevention in all its forms.
• The acknowledgement of safe-guarding, risk assessing, confidentiality and the full acceptance of what the Buddy role is.
• Must be able to engage with Supervision on a regular basis.
• The understanding that the Engager is always under the responsibility of SSBSS, and the Buddy will act in accordance to the policies and procedures of Mind in Somerset.
• Willingness to use Debriefer.
• Strict confidentiality.