Resources

Red Chocolate Elephants: for children bereaved by suicide written by Dr Diana Sands

The Senate Inquiry into suicide in Australia reported: “The Commission’s child death review had found 42 per cent of young people who completed suicide did so after the suicide, or attempted suicide of a friend, family or community member.”

It is essential we continue working towards breaking down the stigma around suicide, reducing isolation and supporting children and young people following a suicide death.

This resource is part of WINGS of Hope’s major educational initiative in the form of a unique book and DVD for children and families bereaved by suicide. Created by Dr Diana Sands, Red Chocolate Elephants book and DVD which includes voices and artwork from children bereaved by suicide and features their words, feelings and experiences after suicide loss.

Watch a preview of the material below:

Children and suicide is an area that no-one seems to want to deal with, so when a parent or relative of a child is faced with the loss of a family friend or loved one to suicide, it is essential they are able to access coping tools and support. It is crucial that a child’s carer or parent finds out about information and strategies that can help talk about the death and work out ways to cope.

How you can be supporting those bereaved by suicide: You can purchase or donate a copy of the book to a school, a family and community group to assist those bereaved by suicide. To purchase a copy, please visit the author, Dr. Diana Sands’, website here.