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Understanding the process
In a time of heightened suicide concern, it can be confusing and frustrating to hear from so many different people. This information will guide you through the people and professionals who may be in contact.
You will hear from a group of professionals
During the loss of a loved one, or when someone has gone missing, there will be a range of organisations and professionals who may be in contact with the family. In situations like these, it can be confusing and frustrating to hear from so many people when you just want your loved one back.
Did you know
A family advocate can be more than one person but should know the person /family well, as they can reflect the families wishes and can act as a point of contact to help manage and coordinate communication.
However, these professionals are there to help and support and whilst it can sometimes seem like there should be more action, there is a clear process being followed. If this is unclear at any stage, ask for the process to be clearly explained.
You might be asking family, friends and community for help
Friends and family are vital support at a time of heightened emotions. Having the right person or people to reflect the family’s wishes is important. A Family Advocate can act as a point of contact to help manage and coordinate communication from everyone involved and ensure your voice is clearly heard.
Did you know
When you or your family post on social media seeking volunteers to help with a search, you become legally liable for them should they harm or injure themselves while out.
Social media can be comforting by providing a space to remember and connect with others. However, it can be difficult to manage messages being shared and can also be harmful to ongoing searches or other vulnerable people.
Memorials and gatherings
It is understandable that you and your family might feel the need to be at or near the location where your loved one went missing or was found.
Did you know
Memorials in public places can have a negative impact on vulnerable people and the community. There are other ways to remember in our guide.
However, this can hinder the work of the professional team and act as a draw for other vulnerable people. Gatherings can ultimately slow down the process. If you would like to organise a venue or location to bring people together, it should be at a place which is safe. This may be in a community or multipurpose centre, with the support of local agencies.
To ensure the safety of everyone else in the community, it is important that gatherings or physical memorials (flowers, shoes, messages) are not placed near or at locations where your loved one went missing. This may have a negative impact on other members of the community and vulnerable people.
Did you know
CCTV operators can get confused by those looking for their loved one or holding uncoordinated gatherings when they are trying to identify vulnerable individuals.
There are many different ways of remembering a loved one. i.e. book of remembrance, charity fundraisers and special events.