No one is responsible for family support in the event of suicide

Everyone who is a member of Spes has lost someone who has taken their own life.

The association provides non-profit support to relatives.

- Several families say that they have not received any organized support in the event of suicide.

It's nobody's job, says union chairman Inger Hänstam.

SPES: "No one informs relatives that we exist"

Two years ago, the national helpline was discontinued.

Now it is up to non-profit associations to provide support.

The association Spes has on a non-profit basis discussion groups and support lines for survivors.

- But no one informs the relatives that we exist in any systematic way.

You often have to find the support yourself when you are in crisis.

It can take a long time before people find us.

"Sometimes we get a priest with us, but not always"

The police's national business developer for mental illness, Patrik Forsemalm, also believes that survivor support has shortcomings.

- In the event of a death sentence, we often need to bring someone else with us.

Very dependent on the fact that we don't have time to stay any longer.

Sometimes we have access to imams or priests, but not always.

Then it would be good if we could bring someone from healthcare with us.