CHARITY go unheard.
By having something physical that can be left with families, it is possible for them to turn to the bag when they are ready. BAGS hopes that by providing practical and emotional support in this way, so it’s there whenever someone feels ready to reach for it, the feeling of being alone is alleviated, even if in just the smallest way. Angela, along with the Trustees and
Steering Group members of the charity, all of whom have been affected by suicide either directly or indirectly, have ensured that the design and contents of each bag make those who receive them know they are not alone in their grief. The bags contain a variety of seemingly unconnected items, but each one has care and thoughtful consideration behind its selection. Those given the bags are reminded that the bag represents a collection of care, love and support that can be reached for as and when they feel ready. The contents of the bags include:
• The After Journal by Halani Foulsham. Halani suffered a terrible loss through
• A single teabag – not for use as a teabag, but as a reminder to put the kettle on; to
suicide. This beautiful journal of healing can be used in any way that feels helpful or meaningful. It allows space for containment with prompts and pictures, as well as space for safe personal reflection.
• An anger ball – BAGS recognises that anger is a natural and often present
have a cuppa with supportive friends and loved ones. These moments of stillness and conversation are so important, but easily forgotten about. This gentle prompt symbolises connection and is included as a reminder to pause, breathe, and be held and supported.
• A candle – to provide a small glimmer of light in the darkness.
• A book of help - this is a unique book in that it contains many of the charity’s
founders’ stories, and others’ stories and experiences of suicide loss. The book comes with a trigger warning that the personal stories may be distressing for some people. However, the hope is this book may provide some comfort and support. But Angela, and her
aspect of grief. This small ball allows the expression of anger in a non-destructive way, hopefully relieving some of what may be being carried in the body.
colleagues within BAGS, know that even while some found others’ stories helped them feel less alone, some members avoided other people’s experiences, as it felt too much to bear.
Other items include a water bottle, tissues, chocolate, hand cream, lip balm, a pen, an official government booklet about available help, sleep spray and, of course, the bag itself.
A number of police services are now working with BAGS for Strife, and it is our hope that this number will grow. In 2022, the charity established their first distribution link with Lancashire Police, closely followed by Leicestershire Police and Derbyshire Police. The impact these have is clear for the services to see.
with little recourse to return to the family. If there is an inquest or investigation, this can drag on for months, during which time families can feel isolated and lost. The simple act of handing over a BAG for Strife provides a reason to check in. This gives officers a true sense of purpose, providing a source of comfort and community to the bereaved, as well as value to the officers. We would like to see all forces work with
BAGS for Strife – the provision of post- suicide care and support should not be a postcode lottery.
“When loss is felt most profoundly, it is often the smallest of things that provide a glimmer of hope”
Barney Thorne, Head of Mental
Health Partnership & Operations, and Force Lead Suicide Prevention for Leicestershire Police said, “The BAGS for Strife are incredible. We’ve been extremely focused over the years in producing a specialist leaflet around suicide bereavement and getting a copy of help is at hand to families. The bags are a significant upgrade to this and help us to connect with families. I have noticed they are often overwhelmed that there is an organisation out there thinking of them, helping them and being there for them. We’ve received some really heart- warming feedback and we hope to use the bags on a permanent basis.” Our members are most likely the ones that will be called upon to break the heart-wrenching news of loss to a family. It is so important for them to feel they have the adequate resources to leave with families. This means they can walk away knowing they have provided even the smallest source of comfort in the darkest of moments, instead of a feeling of inadequacy, or even failure. Each suicide affects countless people beyond the immediate families, friends and loved ones. It even affects impacting those tasked with delivering the news. This is why BAGS for Strife is so important – the charity helps all those affected, whether directly or indirectly. Once the devastating news of a suicide has been delivered, officers walk away
Angela and her family have lived through unimaginable loss and grief, and against the odds have found a way forward by channelling their emotions and experience into helping others. It is in helping others that we help ourselves, something every police officer can attest to. BAGS for Strife can help each police service when it has to bring shattering news. When loss is felt most profoundly and hearts seem to crack under its
weight, it is often the smallest of things that provide a glimmer of hope. After all, it is the crack that lets in the light.
For more information, please go to:
www.bagsforstrife.co.uk or email
info@bagsforstrife.co.uk
25 | POLICE | JUNE 2023
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