Billy’s Lifeline
Billy’s Lifeline is a charity that provides support and counselling services to people affected by suicide loss. It was set up after a family lost their son/brother, and found there was no professional guidance or emotional support offered to help them deal with issues that arose after his passing. Billy’s Lifeline aims to fill that gap in support. It is based in South Shields, and works in partnership with mental health services such as Mind and NHS services to ensure a collaborative approach and that people can receive the best help possible. The work helps bereaved families to navigate the complex grief associated with losing someone to suicide and helps practically as well as emotionally in the days/weeks/months ahead.
The Allen Lane Foundation awarded funding to Billy’s Lifeline at its June 2024 meeting of Trustees. The grant was for £6,600, and will contribute to the salary of the project coordinator. Intended outcomes of the charity’s work over the coming year include that: 80 people will be provided with access to immediate emotional and practical support; schools and health care professionals will benefit from increased awareness of mental health issues/suicide; and that locally there will be reduced stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues.
