Suicide bereavement services win prestigious award

The work vital work of two Rethink Mental Illness services in supporting people who have lost someone to suicide has been recognised at the London & Southeast Prestige Awards 2026/27. 

Both the Surrey Support After Suicide and the Brighton Bereaved by Suicide services were named Specialist Grief Service of the Year. 

The judges said they were particularly impressed by the psycho-social model used, while offering flexible, non-clinical support in a community setting, tackling stigma and taboos around suicide and grief to support individuals and families in navigating the hurt and confusion connected to a loss through suicide.

“Winning this award means so much to our team,” said Gemma Bessant, Surrey Support After Suicide manager. “Supporting people after suicide is incredibly delicate, emotional work that often happens quietly behind the scenes. People often come to us feeling completely lost, isolated and unsure how they will get through the next hour, let alone the next year. 

“To have this work recognised feels really special, not just for us as professionals, but for every person who has trusted us at the worst point in their lives. Knowing that our service has helped people feel safer, heard and less alone is something we are hugely proud of.”

Wendy Robinson, Brighton Bereaved by Suicide manager was equally delighted with what the award represents: “Thank you to the London & South East Prestige Awards for recognising our services in providing psycho-social support for those bereaved of suicide. The dedicated team are incredibly proud to be acknowledged for the sensitive and important work we do. 

“This award is for all those who have ever used our services and to remember those we have lost through suicide.  We are truly grateful for the 2026 award and our funders and inspired everyday by those whom we meet in our service.”

After seeing the team collect the award, Lourdes Colclough, Head of Suicide Prevention at Rethink Mental Illness, was quick to highlight both the need for support after suicide services as well as the affect it can have on the team. 

“This work is incredibly difficult and complex and it can take its toll on staff,” Lourdes said. “The stories heard are both harrowing and heartbreaking and can never be unheard – the team carry these with them and, through compassion, connection and teamwork, they are able to weave a net of care around those they are supporting together with our neighbourhood hubs.  

“This award is a testament to the people who make up the service. In a system under significant strain, investing in bereavement by suicide support services is both a moral and economic necessity. By intervening early, preventing escalation, and supporting individuals at a critical point of need, this service reduces pressure on statutory mental health services and delivers long-term value. 

“It is not simply about responding to grief - it is about sustaining a healthier, more resilient population while protecting the future sustainability of the health and care system.”

Dr Bikram Raychaudhuri, a Clinical Director for Mental Health at NHS Surrey and Sussex said: “Losing someone to suicide is a devastating and deeply traumatic experience, and compassionate, timely support can make a profound difference for families and loved ones during the darkest of times.”

A big thank you has to go to our local partners and commissioners who have, over the years, challenged the stigma and taboo around suicide by funding our services, including Southdown who leads the UOK partnership, Brighton and Hove City Council, NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB, and Surrey County Council.  

Jack Bedeman, Director Public Health, Surrey County Council shared his congratulations to the team: “Their work supporting people bereaved by suicide across Surrey makes a profound difference to individuals, families, and communities, helping people feel heard, supported and less alone. This award is a well‑deserved acknowledgement of the impact and quality of their service.”