Mind Jersey said that the undisclosed amount of funding from the Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands will pay for an employee to oversee its peer support service.
The service enables people who are struggling with mental health issues to speak to volunteers who have undergone similar life experiences.
Jennifer Browne, a former peer-support worker, has been appointed to the full-time role.
She said: ‘As a peer-support worker I have witnessed first-hand the benefits of peer support and the good it does, not only for the peers that use the service but for those providing support.
‘I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful service as it continues to develop and support a wider range of individuals.’
The charity also announced during this year’s Suicide Prevention Week, which began on Sunday, that it was looking at the possibility of re-introducing the Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide group, which stopped in Jersey several years ago.
It currently offers a one-to-one counselling service but says it is looking at introducing another support group. The Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide group in the UK currently helps about 7,000 people annually.
Stephen McCrimmon, family and carers support services manager for Mind Jersey, said: ‘There was certain criteria with SOBS that the chairperson of the group had to be two years bereaved.
‘We are looking to see, if there isn’t anyone in a position to do that, if Mind could facilitate the group. A lot of people say they feel shut out when a loved one takes their own life and as if no one cared afterwards.
‘We need to work with GPs, employers, services and all those involved to make sure that doesn’t happen.’
- To find out more about the services Mind Jersey offer visit: mindjersey.org. If anyone feels suicidal they can contact the Samaritans of Jersey for help and advice on 08457 90 90 90, or free on 116 123. Alternatively they can email jo@samaritans.org.
