Supporting those affected by suicide in Derbyshire

A police officer who lost a loved one to suicide is helping Derbyshire Constabulary to provide better support to those in the same situation.

Supporting those affected by suicide is a cause close to PC Jodie Norris’ heart, after losing her mum when she was a teenager.

Jodie is working with BAGS for Strife, a charity run by people who have lost loved ones to suicide, to equip our officers with support packages to take to incidents of suicide.

The charity’s name comes from the key emotions they felt after losing a friend or family member: Blame, Anger, Guilt and Sadness (BAGS).

The bags include practical guidance, signposting to further support, and items for self-care.  

The bags also contain ‘The Little Book of Help’, a book created by those in the charity sharing their experiences and advice, to demonstrate that if you’re affected by suicide you’re not alone.

Jodie said: “Having lived through that experience personally, I know nothing’s going to be a quick fix, and we’re not promising the world. But just having a small reminder of those self-care basics can be little steps to take to start to feel normal.

“Working as a cop and attending sudden deaths, it’s really hard to leave the people who have been affected by suicide knowing that they were feeling alone. I want these bags to be a glimpse of hope, so that people can read through the experiences of others who have been there and got through it.”

Next month, Jodie will also be completing a charity walk in aid of BAGS for Strife and has already raised over £300.

BAGS for Strife first came to light as part of the nomination process for a charity for the force to support, with Jodie supporting the charity as a result of her previous experience.

Inspector Richard Keene, who wrote in support of the nomination said: “We want to provide immediate support those going through the darkest of days.

“To know that others have been where you are now must be so comforting at this devastating time. We just hope people feel ‘I’m not alone’ – such a simple sentiment but one that may not come easy when your entire world has been torn to shreds. If the project gives one person support and solace, then it will have been worth it.

He added: “The bags are not intended as a replacement for other interventions which seek to support those left behind by such an event. However, we know the pressure on these services is acute, so anything we can do to enhance our support of bereaved loved ones can only be a positive”.

Angela McMorran, Founder of BAGS for Strife said: "We are so proud to be working with Derbyshire Constabulary. It's so important that focus is placed on postvention support for those that have lost loved ones to suicide and we will continue to help where we can".

To find out more about BAGS for Strife, visit BAGS (bagsforstrife.co.uk).

Remember, when life is difficult, Samaritans are ready to listen – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.