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The founders of the ‘Talking Bench’ initiative across Guernsey are encouraging anyone on the island who has been affected by suicide to come along to an open event on Tuesday evening at the Cotils.
They hope that anyone – whether a friend, family member or work colleague – who has been affected by suicide will wish to come to the first Suicide Friendship Group, share a drink and enjoy the company of others in the same unique situation.
Having founded the bright orange ‘Talking Benches’ in various parishes across the island, and with further plans to talk to in schools about the impact of suicide, they felt that a friendship group was the next stage.
Co-founder, Colette Quertier, said: “There is no substitute for talking to people which is why we wanted to launch this initiative. I'd encourage anyone who is suffering from the impact of losing a loved one by suicide to come along to the Cotils on Tuesday evening.”
Sarah Bamford added: “The purpose of the Talking Benches is to encourage people to stop and talk to the person sitting on the bench. Just a cheery five-minute chat with a total stranger is an act of kindness which could make a difference to some one’s life. Starting up this friendship group is the obvious next step.
” We are just ordinary people who have had to deal with the unthinkable. Becoming friends through our shared losses is helping us to heal, and we reach out to anyone on the island who is going through the same. Please do come along and have a drink and a chat with us.”
If you have been affected by suicide and would like to meet others who have had a similar experience come to the downstairs bar at the Cotils on Tuesday 3 May at 6p.m. - for more information please contact Sarah 07781 112085 or Mandy 07781 144346.
