Showing Up for Communities: Reflections from Stevenage

By Helen Birch (Training & Education Officer)

Recently, I had the privilege of stepping out of the training room and into the heart of the community. I travelled to Stevenage to take part in a powerful community awareness event organised by The Samaritans, and it was another reminder of exactly why I do this work.

The event brought together organisations united by a shared purpose: to support communities impacted by suicide. I had the pleasure of standing alongside The Samaritans, Mind in Hertfordshire, Network Rail, and the British Transport Police. From the very start, there was a great sense of collective care – a genuine commitment to making a difference.

Throughout the day, we spoke about what it means to be bereaved by, exposed to, or affected by suicide, and about the real impact faced by those working within Network Rail and the British Transport Police. The conversations were honest, raw, and sometimes emotional – but always important. We explored the roles of postvention, prevention, and overall wellbeing, and how each plays a vital part in supporting individuals, families, and communities.

Leaflets and signposting materials were shared – each one a small but powerful reminder that support is out there. No one should ever feel that suicide is their only option. There are people who care, who will listen, and who are ready to walk alongside those who are struggling.

It also highlighted for me the vital work that still needs to be done to spread awareness of the word postvention. Although it brings me joy to share this vital concept, it also saddens me that so many who need postvention have not heard of it, or are unaware that it exists for them. This is very common – postvention is there for you regardless of whether you knew the person who died by suicide or not, regardless of how much time has passed, and regardless of your age.

Being part of events like this reminds us why we do what we do. By stepping out into communities and working alongside other organisations, we can extend our reach, spark vital conversations, and make sure life-saving information reaches the people who need it most.

I left Stevenage feeling inspired – not only by the resilience of the people I spoke to, but also by the commitment of the organisations who came together, and by the knowledge that small conversations can have a big impact.

It’s days like this that keep me grounded in the heart of our mission: to connect, to listen, and to offer hope.

With the right support and help, things can get better.

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