AN IMPORTANT charity has recently moved to Stonehouse to a new premises with more facilities. 

Two MPs joined a local charity that helps bereaved families recover from the devastating effects of suicide have joined celebrations as the charity moved to a new home.

Sunflowers Suicide Support was set up in 2018 after Pete Morris tragically took his own life at the age of 29.

His family, after experiencing the profound impact of suicide, identified significant gaps in the support and understanding.

They have moved from the Cygnet offices at Bond’s Mill to the larger Waterside House at Bond’s Mill. 

The move 

Their marks a considerable increase in the services they can offer.

The new premises provide training areas and a counselling room as well as children’s library services.

The facility was opened last week by Dr Simon Opher, Stroud’s new MP and someone who has worked closely with mental health issues for the last 30 years.

He said: “The death by suicide by a loved one is one of the most difficult things to come to terms with.

"I am so impressed with Abbie and all the volunteers and trustees of this really vibrant charity service.

"They have provided support to so many people, including children who have been affected by suicide.

"Each tragic death affects over 135 people. And many find it difficult to talk about.

“I am also impressed by their work to prevent suicide.

"They offer training and support to care staff to identify what is often a hidden problem.

"The more we speak about this subject, no matter how painful it may be, the easier it will be for people with desperate thoughts to come forward and get help.”

The new Labour MP from Gloucester, Alex McIntyre also addressed the meeting and gave the charity his full support;

“Sunflowers do incredible work and have a really clear vision for a Gloucestershire where people live, prosper and are kept safe from suicide, its harms and the wider impact."

"This year their theme is ‘Start the Conversation’ which is exactly right- we need more people talking about suicide, the impact and the number of people who lose their lives this way each year.

"As a new MP I’m driven by long-term partnerships and will do everything I can to support their work and help create the change in conversation that we need.”

Although Sunflowers is not a crisis service, it can support people who are affected by suicide and provides counselling and family support.

Also present was Dr Hein le Rue, who is deputy Chair of Gloucestershire ICB.

Abbie Warren CEO and founder of the charity said :"We were pleased to see such strong support at our first public AGM, with a room full of guests joining us as we opened our new offices.

"This new space has become necessary due to the increasing demand for our services, reflecting the alarming rise in the suicide rate in 2023, now the highest it has been in two decades.

"This is devastating, and more must be done to prevent suicide and support families experiencing such loss.

"Sunflowers relies entirely on the support of our community, and the AGM was an opportunity to showcase the incredible work our team is doing thanks to that support."