SSBSS - Suicide Bereavement Buddy

 Overview of Role:

• Support someone who has been bereaved by suicide by providing a safe space for the buddy to talk about their loss and experience.
• Work to an agreed plan/process for Buddy engagements.
• Understanding of GDPR.
• Attending monthly supervisions.

Hours required: Flexible

Supervision discretion - will be a fixed monthly session (evening) for 1 hour - attendance mandatory

Location: Remote – 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 Buddy and how to utilise this.
• Supervision and on-going support.

Personal Attributes required:

• Lived experience of bereavement by suicide.
• The ability to distance the Buddy role from 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 you are always under the responsibility of SSBSS, and will act in accordance to the policies and procedures of Mind in Somerset.
• Strict confidentiality.
• Use of self care and awareness of personal boundaries.