Robert, aged 57, first contacted StandBy Support After Suicide in 2022, when his best friend whom he had known for 28 years, died by suicide. 

“I have had an incredible response from the whole StandBy team. I did not know such an organisation existed. I literally stumbled across an advertisement on Facebook (and decided to call the 1300 number). Something I would never normally do.” 

Throughout his support, Robert was asked if he would like to speak to a Peer Worker with lived experience of suicide bereavement – to which he gratefully accepted. 

“Having a lived experience worker has quite simply changed my life and how I now view the world post [my friend’s] death… It is a very unique experience, uncovering various emotions and feelings I am having, and understanding mourning and grief. [My Peer Worker] always answers my questions openly and honestly and has guided me through an extremely difficult time by sharing her own story.” 

Over time, and with support from his StandBy team, Robert was able to learn to navigate life following his friend’s passing. He would look forward to each call with the team, and found booking in the next session gave him a sense of wellbeing and assurance. 

“I did not realise how much a lived experience worker could help me process my emotions and unpack the reactions to my loss of [my friend]. I may have even been a touch sceptical at first, before the sessions started. However, now I would highly recommend them to anyone who has gone through the loss of a loved one through suicide… It helps me deal with my life on a daily basis. It helps me understand my life post suicide of a loved one. And, most importantly it gives me connection to those who have experienced what I have. Not many people truly understand unless they have been through a suicide. It has been exceptionally beneficial to me (and continues to be so).” 

About StandBy: 

Youturn’s StandBy service is Australia’s leading suicide postvention program dedicated to assisting people and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide. StandBy is accessible seven days a week, providing free face-to face and/or telephone support at a time and place that is best for each individual. 

For more information, visit standbysupport.com.au 

StandBy – An initiative of Youturn jointly funded by the Australian Commonwealth, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland and Victorian Governments.