Brisbane SOSBSA Support Group
These meetings
are for those who have lost someone to suicide only, though for the first few
visits you may wish to bring a support person - it is essential they
understand the requirement for confidentiality and respect. If the support
person is also affected by the suicide, then they are "survivors"
themselves (sometimes the pain that friends and acquaintances feel is forgotten
about) and we welcome them to talk about their friendship and feelings too.
Some support people come so that they can learn better how to support you.
You may feel nervous about your first meeting but remember you will be among
people who understand and care. You don't have to say anything until you are
ready.
NOTE: You will need to RSVP to attend the Brisbane group
If you wish to join our Brisbane Support Group please RSVP as early as
possible. Please don't say you will attend and then not come. If you are unable
to attend please advise us as soon as you know so someone else can
attend.
Number of attendees - limited due to COVID restrictions and room size - so get in early.
YOUR ACTION: you will need to RSVP by email to secretary@sosbsa.org.au advising the date that
you wish to attend from the email you wish to use on the night. Please note - RSVPs received later than 8.30pm Wednesday night of the week group meets might not be accepted.
Please do not phone or send a message in FaceBook.
Dates - 2024
Meetings: 7.30pm every 2nd Friday
December 22, 2023 (cancelled)
January -5, 19
February -2,16
March -1,15,29
April -12,26
May -10,24
June -7,21
July -5,19
August -2,16,30
September -13,27
October -11,25
November -8,22
December -6,20
Location
Level 1 493A Ipswich Road Annerley
(the building with Chemist Warehouse)
Enter from rear car park
Go to the google maps - click here
Details
Cost: Free
Facilitators: Cherrie & Donna
Cherrie: 0423 567 055
Email: secretary@sosbsa.org.au
If you get lost please feel free to contact Cherrie directly by mobile phone on 0423 567 055.
NOTE: This meeting is held at the Drug ARM office.
We'd like to say a very special thanks to Drug ARM for allowing us to use their facilities free of charge. Without them we wouldn't be able to hold this group.
Attending your first SOSBSA Support Group
The thought of walking into a room of “strangers” can be very daunting but once you arrive you will realise it’s a lot easier than you anticipated – here are people who really “understand”. The purpose of a support group is to support each other and to help each other through your grief “work” by sharing stories, coping techniques, new understandings and friendship and to be there to encourage each other through “set backs”.
- Groups are usually run by the facilitator or another attendee, someone who is bereaved themselves.
- What is discussed within the group is confidential and this is made known to all attending.
- Meetings vary in size from 4 to 12 people.
- After introductions, attendees are invited to recount their stories though you don’t have to speak – yes, there usually are tears, many of them, but that is ok.
- The facilitator or another attendee may gently encourage you to expand on a particular point which may be troubling you and in general discussion others may talk about how they handled that particular issue. There are no “shoulds”.
- After everyone who wants to recount their stories have had their turn, a particular issue brought up by an attendee may be discussed or the facilitator may initiate a discussion about a particular issue/issues. Sometimes he/she may inform the group of research findings, news items, grief and loss matters or discuss mental health/illness information.
- As the meeting progresses, people usually begin to relax and it is not unusual to hear laughter.
- The final half hour is usually spent mixing informally, drinking tea/coffee and eating.
- Some people come to many meetings in a row, others drop in every so often and others may come every couple of years just to be with others who understand.
- If you are within the first 6 months of your loss, it can be very daunting to hear so many stories at once. If you would like some advice you can call the help line (1300 767 022) and she/he may have some recommendations.
- The groups are for those over 18 – we do not yet have a children’s group. Ask your facilitator for information about local services for children.
Join us on Facebook
SOSBSA has over 100,000 people following our Facebook page.
Join in this supportive on-line support group and share your experiences with others who understand. Just click the title.
