Understanding impact and factors that improve postvention service delivery: findings from a study of a community-based suicide bereavement support service in England

Bell, Jo; Cunnah, Katie; Earle, Fiona

Abstract

This article reports on a two-year study of a community-based suicide postvention support service in the UK. Attention centres on the implementation of four integrated elements within the service model: multi-agency working with real-time suicide surveillance, persistent pro-active contact; volunteer-led support; continuous open-ended support. Our approach involved analysing utilisation data and qualitative techniques, including in-depth interviews with a diverse group of stakeholders. The study is the first of its kind to provide an in-depth examination of an innovative approach focusing on the integrated model and its constituent components. Our findings offer evidence-based examples of collaborative service efforts in implementing real-time interventions, with agencies working together to provide timely, co-ordinated, proactive responses and support with the potential to alleviate suffering and prevent loss of life. The value of volunteer-led support and open-ended access and associated challenges are emphasised. Findings hold promise for international impact with policy implications for services worldwide.

Citation

Bell, J., Cunnah, K., & Earle, F. (online). Understanding impact and factors that improve postvention service delivery: findings from a study of a community-based suicide bereavement support service in England. Mortality, https://doi.org/10.1080/13576275.2024.2417299

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 15, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Oct 21, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 24, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 28, 2024
• Journal: Mortality
• Print ISSN: 1357-6275
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13576275.2024.2417299
• Keywords: Postvention; Suicide bereavement; Service evaluation; Postvention service model; Public health
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4870916
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13576275.2024.2417299