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A NEW group that helps those who have lost someone to suicide has started in Port Stephens.
Called Port Stephens Survivors of Suicide (SOS) the group differs from other suicide prevention groups already running the area, in that it deals with issues after suicide, not before.
Bellinda Fenwick and David Sams, who have both lost family members to suicide, are behind the group, along with group facilitator John Vassallo.
Mr Vassallo said Port Stephens SOS offered people who had lost someone to suicide the chance to speak about it with others who had gone through the same experience.
"These guys have life experience in it," he said.
He said people dealt with grief in different ways but that there was a need to reduce the stigma of guilt and shame associated with suicide.
Ms Fenwick said people could say as much or as little as they wanted at the meetings and that the group could offer support when needed, especially during tough times such as birthdays.
The meetings will be held on the last Tuesday of the month from 7pm to 9pm, with tea and coffee provided. Contact Bellinda Fenwick on 0402 472 815 or David Sams on 0431 670 579.