A NEW support group that helps people bereaved by suicide has been set up in West Cumbria.

Karan Smith has set up Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS), which is the third in Cumbria, alongside groups in Carlisle and Kendal.

Karan lost her son in 2010, when he was 21, and she first attended SOBS meetings two years ago when they were held in Keswick.

The Keswick group was relocated to Carlisle but since then there has been no specific support in west Cumbria for people bereaved by suicide.

Karan is keen to run an effective group. She said: “We feel so passionate about supporting people bereaved in this way and the importance of talking and sharing our experiences around suicide, particularly in west Cumbria.

“Volunteering in the local counselling community and working with the Howgill Family Centre, supporting bereaved children and their families, has given me valuable skills for supporting the group and its members.”

Together with her sister, bank manager Joanne Redmond who fundraises for the local community, and her daughter Hayley Holliday, Karan’s family have now provided a SOBS presence in west Cumbria.

SOBS has grown to become the only national charity providing dedicated support to adults who have been bereaved by suicide.

There are currently around 150 volunteers across the UK who help to run SOBS services.

SOBS Cumbria is one of more than 60 self-help groups, where people can meet with others who have been bereaved by suicide.

The meetings provide an opportunity to listen, share and connect with others who can empathise and relate with your situation and experiences.

The west Cumbria group meets in Whitehaven on the second Tuesday of every month from 7pm until 9pm.

If you wish to attend the group, please contact Karan on 07896 703757.

The first group meeting will be taking place on September 13. See the website www.sobs-cumbria.org.uk for details.