Issue details

Proposed decision – To approve an extension of the council’s Support Service for people bereaved by suicide (SC20060) from 1 August 2026 until 31 March 2027 (8 months). 

Reason for the decision

The contract for a Support Service for People Bereaved by Suicide, known as AMPARO,which is currently delivered by Listening Ear, is due to expire 31 July 2026. This contract has been live for five years (as per key decision 20/00132).

There is still a consistently high need for specialist support to people bereaved by suicide, and a recent review of AMPARO to date clearly demonstrated the value and impact of the service, highlighting its responsiveness, effectiveness and positive outcomes that it delivers for individuals and communities affected by suicide. This service supports delivery of both the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2023–2028) and the draft Kent and Medway Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy (2026–2030), which recently underwent public consultation.

An eight-month extension (from 1 August 2026 until 31 March 2027) is proposed to maintain continuity of service and allow time to consider options for future commissioning. Legal advice has been sought and extending the current contract by eight months is legally viable.

Any decision on the long-term arrangements, from April 2027, will be subject to a future Key Decision through the appropriate governance process.

Background – Provide brief additional context

In 2019, the NHS committed £36 million over a period of 10 years to support the roll out of suicide bereavement support services across England. This funding is received by Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) to deliver the core Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Programme. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sets out the financial relationship between KCC and the ICB for this programme, which is hosted by KCC, ensuring governance and accountability. This MoU will be refreshed for 2026-27.

Specialist suicide bereavement support has been delivered in Kent and Medway by Listening Ear’s ‘AMPARO’ service. The service provides timely emotional and practical support to anyone affected by suicide, an experience which differs to bereavement through natural or accidental means as it usually comes with senses of guilt and stigma, which often leads to social isolation and the increased risk of suicide mentioned above.

The need for such support is backed by evidence that suggests up to 135 people can be impacted by an individual case of suicide (Cerel et al, 2018).  People bereaved by the sudden death of a friend or family member are also 65% more likely to attempt suicide if the deceased died by suicide than if they died by natural or accidental causes (Pitman et al, 2016).

Options (other options considered but discarded)

The following options have been explored

How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement

Maintaining a support offer for individuals bereaved by suicide supports KCC’s Reforming Kent 2025-28 commitments through the delivery of preventative well-being support, this can avoid escalation into more intensive, expensive care and foster stronger, more resilient communities.

Timely postvention, aligned with Kent & Medway suicide strategies, can avert escalation into services that drive overspend, thus supporting the delivery of Securing Kents Future.