SAMM – Support after murder and manslaughter

SAMM provides a wide range of peer support services to people bereaved by murder and manslaughter. Its support services are open to everyone regardless of how long ago they were bereaved.

Based in Edgbaston, Birmingham it offers nationwide support to close relatives, wider family members and bereaved friends. As a national charity the support services cover England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

SAMM’s unique support services have been designed by the bereaved for the bereaved to meet a persons’ emotional support needs. All volunteers receive bespoke training and have been bereaved through homicide themselves. They have a unique understanding of what it’s like to be traumatically bereaved.

2021 was one of the charity’s busiest years and demand for its services continues to rise. Its helpline received 700 calls for support and guidance.

The team provided individual support to over 270 new and current members. Individual support was offered for 3- 6 months and the feedback was positive.

Before receiving individual support from SAMM 85% of people felt lonely and isolated. After receiving individual support only 18% did so.

Before receiving individual help, 75% of people felt significantly angry about their bereavement and after receiving individual help only 20% did so.

After receiving the news of the grant funding SAMM’s CEO said:

“Thank you so much. We are delighted to be able to keep up the hard work and help people cope and recover after such a terrible crime.”