Pat Katnoria’s life changed forever when her daughter took her own life. She speaks to DAVID MILLS about a support group she organises for those bereaved by suicide.

PAT Katnoria’s daughter Julie tragically took her own life in August 2005 by jumping from a block of flats.

Julie was just 25 years old and her mum says her life will never be the same again.

After her death, Mrs Katnoria went to a meeting held by a group called Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide in Maidstone and was inspired to start a similar group in Dartford.

The 60-year-old, who started the group in 2007, said: “It’s running this group which has kept me going.

“People come thinking there’s something wrong with them but when they go away they feel normal.

“They come to the meetings where they can talk or not talk. They just need to come and see they are not on their own.”

Mrs Katnoria, who has a 32-year-old son, also meets survivors outside of meetings such as over a coffee at Bluewater shopping centre or by talking over the phone.

She said: “The group is open to anybody in the area.

“People ring up, they need to know someone’s at the end of the phone.

“If people feel they can’t come to the groups I’m here and can support them as much as they want.

“Not everyone feels they can come to the meetings.”

Ahead of Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide National Awareness Day on April 16, Mrs Katnoria is keen to get the message across that those bereaved by suicide are normal people.

Mrs Katnoria, of Barham Road, Dartford, said: “I want to make people aware we are out there and we are normal. We do grieve and there’s help if they need it.

“Five years ago when my daughter died they said you’ll get over it.

“My life will never be the same because that’s the way I feel. Every day is difficult and I’m sure that’s the same with survivors.”

The group meets the first Thursday each month at Dartford and Swanley Mencap’s Peppercorns Centre in Dartford and usually more than 10 people attend.

For more information call Mrs Katnoria on 01322 286511.

SURVIVORS OF BEREAVEMENT BY SUICIDE

The charity has more than 30 groups across the UK, providing support to those bereaved by suicide.

Many of the group organisers have themselves been bereaved by suicide, as is the case with Mrs Katnoria.

All the groups offer a safe and confidential environment in which bereaved people can share and discuss their experiences and feelings.

Emotional support is also on hand via a telephone helpline on 0844 561 6855 between 9am and 9pm every day.

The charity’s website offers lots of information and guidance on supporting relatives and ways in which friends can help those bereaved.

For more information visit uk-sobs.org.uk