Mother wants better support for bereaved children

A mother has urged for more support for bereaved children after her ex-partner took his own life earlier this year.

Anne-Marie, from north Northamptonshire, said that help was readily available for her, but there was an unmet need in the county in terms of support for children.

She has now launched The Seddon Legacy Project, which provides support in grief management and memory-making activities and was inspired by the struggles her two children faced in coping with their father's suicide.

Anne-Marie said: “The reason I want to create [the project] is to have that initial communication [with children], so they know they’re not excluded or on their own.”

In Northamptonshire approximately 60 people take their own life each year.

Anne-Marie explained her ex-partner’s mental health deteriorated following their separation, although he had sought help from his GP and mental health services and appeared to be improving.

His death has had a traumatic effect on their children, she said, especially since one of them discovered his body with Anne-Marie.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support offered,” she said.

“But it's one thing understanding grief as an adult, it's another to a child who is vulnerable."

Anne-Marie added that her eldest child has been grappling with a lot of different emotions.

She said: “He’s asking questions that, as a parent, you simply don’t know how to answer.”

The Seddon Legacy Project is still in its early stages, with Anne-Marie gathering data on child bereavement to shape its direction.

She stressed the importance of addressing the topic of suicide openly with children: “The less we talk about suicide, the more of an issue its going to be. This needs to be a priority."

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