Pete's Dragons

Pete's Dragons provide immediate and specialist bereavement support for all of those affected by suicide, whether it is an individual or a whole family, with no age limitation. Each death can affect between 20-60 people. With the short and long term impact of suicide bereavement typically including PTSD, mental health issues, future criminality and personal suicidality, it is imperative that all those affected receive timely and appropriate advice and support in the aftermath, in a way which recognises their personal uniqueness and circumstances. Pete's Dragons supports all types and groups of people, including vulnerable children and adults, elderly, young families, people living... read more Pete's Dragons provide immediate and specialist bereavement support for all of those affected by suicide, whether it is an individual or a whole family, with no age limitation. Each death can affect between 20-60 people. With the short and long term impact of suicide bereavement typically including PTSD, mental health issues, future criminality and personal suicidality, it is imperative that all those affected receive timely and appropriate advice and support in the aftermath, in a way which recognises their personal uniqueness and circumstances. Pete's Dragons supports all types and groups of people, including vulnerable children and adults, elderly, young families, people living alone, people with disabilities, learning disabilities, sensory impairment, vulnerably housed and cultural groups. Pete's Dragons accepts referrals from our statutory services and third sector organisations. We are embedded in the community as part of the response to the mental health needs locally. We offer many types of bespoke support to our beneficiaries, from regular one to one listening and wellbeing services, practical help, complicated grief counselling, counselling, hugs in a hamper, financial support, group activities and family fun days. During COVID-19, Pete's Dragons has had to change its operational procedures to maintain a high level of support, delivering at a frequency decided by our beneficiary via email, phone, Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime contact. There are two support areas; direct support to the individual who is referred/self referred following a suicide, giving them advice and support for themselves, and indirect support for those people to know how to make a difference with their immediate families or people affected by the suicide. We are finding our beneficiaries are affected by the widespread financial pressure in the community, fears about the virus itself, the effects of long term isolation as well, as the chance of people being bereaved multiple times in a relatively short space of time. Having someone who is dedicated to listening, normalising and supporting for one hour a week to someone who is under pressure and isolated is priceless and extremely powerful. We are also aware that the need for general bereavement support will increase in the response phase of the pandemic and that a significant number of people will experience complicated aspects to their grief due to the way in which COVID-19 prevents the ability to say goodbye to loved ones or to attend funerals. We have the specialism and capability to diversify and assist in a meaningful way. Our support also reduces the pressure on other local resources such as the NHS and the Police, together with other mental health support providers.