Life Beyond Suicide, by Samuel Wells, Ann Feloy and David Mosse

Written for those considering how to help people affected by the horrors of suicide or are contemplating ending their own lives - not an ‘easy read’ but a ‘must read’ for individuals and pastoral groups

Life Beyond Suicide - Reflections on loss and love
By Samuel Wells, Ann Feloy and David Mosse
Canterbury Press
ISBN: 978-1- 78622-651-8
Reviewed by Martin M’Caw  

Very sadly suicide is a very rough mortal cul-de-sac. There are footpaths that lead from it to a garden of restoration that has some inspiring beds of consolation, comfort, reconciliation, hope and rediscovered faith which gardeners are continuing develop: but there are no easy answers.
 
Many tragic accounts of grief tear the heartstrings of the reader through the tragic accounts of despair experienced by the relatives and friends of those who have committed suicide. The same is true of those contemplating suicide like an elderly man I know who can no longer live by himself, and has been taken into hospital for treatment, and after a lengthy stay there is great difficulty finding him a suitable care home. His wife is in a different care home and the consultants advise it is not possible for them to be together because of their different conditions. Having previously considered suicide he was not allowed to visit his wife over Christmas for fear he might take his life while outside hospital care.
 
Life beyond Suicide is written for those considering how to help people affected by the horrors of suicide or are contemplating ending their own lives. The opening chapters are terrible reflections by people who have experiences of losing a child, a loved one or the will to live.
 
Chapter five ‘Losing the will to live’ relates the experiences of seven people who eventually overcame suicidal intentions. Chapter six ‘Walking Alongside’ recounts the experience of three people working with the suicidal.

Chapters are seven and eight are not easy peasy solutions because there are none. They reflect topics covered from 2015 to 2024 at the St. Martin-in-the Fields church from the aftermath of suicide to the solidarity of grief.

The closing chapters reflect ‘getting the balance right’ and a selection of personal and public prayers. These can be used both in private sessions with individuals or within prayers of intercession in public worship.
 
Life Beyond Suicide is not an ‘easy read’ but a ‘must read’ for individuals and pastoral groups.
 

The Revd Dr Martin M’Caw is a retired Baptist minister, and Wing Chaplain to No2 Welsh Wing RAF Cadets, also retired