Exploring Grief Without Walls
We are the two Mams (Anni and Linda) whose sons transitioned by suicide. This page is in memory of those sons Anthony and David who we know are still around us daily, in spirit. We hope our words will bring great comfort and hope to all grieving parents, families and friends. We hope that our sharing will highlight the need to talk about suicide and mental health.
Anthony known as Ant
Who do you know that might need help today? Why not check in on them. Ask them - what do you need right now?
Ant is my handsome son, a guy with fun and mischief as his middle names. He still has such great compassion for his family, especially his sister Linz and his nephew H. He always offered help and latterly he struggled with psychosis. Mental health is often hidden by people and the suicide rate among men and younger children is rising. I want to use my decades of educational leadership background and my certified counselling and mental health coaching to change that.
Anni, Ant's Mum x
You can also help by subscribing to our podcast
David O'Neill
‘David was a very kind, caring and thoughtful young man. He had a great sense of humour and he loved to spend time with his family and friends. He loved to play football for his local team and he was also a massive supporter of Newcastle United Football club. David became physically unwell in early January 2021 and this heavily impacted upon his mental health, resulting in his suicide in late February 2021. I would like to use my lived-in knowledge and experience as a past social worker and recent training with David Kessler as a certified grief educator, to raise further awareness of mental health and suicide in men.
Linda - David's Mam x
How can you help to raise awareness?
This is Team Ant, me Ant's Mum and Linz, Ant's Sis, who ran for CALM in the Manchester half marathon. I and her hubby Scott, her Aunty Gail and her best friends Lou and Sarah also cheered her on. We are in the pic below.
When Linz and I found out about Ant's suicide it changed our lives forever. We are both determined to raise awareness of suicide in our own ways. We bring lightness and love to our new life path, sharing ideas about our grief, providing opportunities to heal, and to giving suicide a personal voice for greater understanding.
How were we helped?
Some of our best grief visitors came gently to visit. Not judging, not having expectations of us AND were really present in their listening. You too can be simply that comforting visitor. You can also read some of my blogs on how to help here: Blog | SimplyBeingCoached annipoole.com
Asking for Help
Campaign Against Living Miserably
Tel: 0800 58 58 58
​
Samaritans UK
Tel : 116 123 or
email jo@samaritans.org
​
SHOUT
Text : SHOUT 85258
​
SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
Tel: 0300 111 5065
​
Helping Parents Heal (See UK affiliate group)
​
YOUNG MINDS
YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds
Tel: 0800 1111
Childline provides a confidential locker to make email or text requests from.
​
Papyrus
Tel: 0800 068 4141
email: pat@papyrus-uk.org