In this episode of The Widow Podcast, I speak to Sam Southern, suicide prevention and bereavement manager at Solace at Empowerment Charity in Blackpool. Sam shares her personal story of losing her husband Glen to suicide in June 2020, during the height of the COVID pandemic. He was 46 years old, and together they had six children, the youngest just two and five at the time.
Sam talks about the shock and trauma of losing a partner to suicide, the complex grief that followed, and the stigma that still surrounds suicide loss. She also explains how blogging her experiences online became an unexpected lifeline, connecting her with others who truly understood. Today, that same community spirit drives her professional work supporting people bereaved by suicide.
In this conversation, we discuss:
• The unique challenges of grieving a partner lost to suicide, including guilt, anger, and unanswered questions
• How stigma and silence around suicide complicate grief and isolate families
• Why asking directly about suicidal thoughts can be a powerful step in prevention
• The importance of peer support and online communities in surviving loss
• How language matters – why saying “died by suicide” helps reduce stigma
• Suicide statistics in the UK, and why more awareness and training are urgently needed
Sam’s openness helps break the silence around suicide bereavement and offers comfort to those facing similar heartbreak. Her story is a reminder that connection and conversation can save lives.
For More Support:
The Widows Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership
Coaching and retreats: karensutton.co.uk
Solace at Empowerment Charity: empowermentcharity.org.uk
Follow Sam on Instagram: @sammysuns
