Video conferencing is a life-saver for suicide support group

Boom Collaboration is helping a Florida-based suicide support group rebuild lives across the US.

The Suicide Survivor Group has helped hundreds of people in their darkest days over the past 10 years. The volunteer-led organisation meets twice a month, with up to 20 people in person and 10 to 15 participating online from as far away as California, New York and New Jersey.

Darin Gull – one of three group facilitators – lost his brother to suicide four years ago but is determined to ‘give something back’ and prevent further tragedies.

“Most people don’t realise how prevalent it is,” he says. “But losing my brother has made me a better person. It challenged me to give his life meaning and give something back too. I’ve become much more empathetic.”

Gull says the more people talk and share stories, the easier the pain becomes and fond memories come flooding back.

“We often get asked by new people in the group about when will the grief go away,” he says. “The grief never goes away, but you grow around it, so it does diminish. As people become stronger, the grief seems smaller. That’s the goal of our group – to help people cope with day-to-day life, functioning again and eventually thriving.”

The group meets in a library, but the Covid pandemic has changed things. “It used to be an in-person group but we needed to continue through the lockdowns online,” says Gull. “At first it was just a voice call because people were afraid of the technology, until they gradually became more comfortable. I think seeing someone’s face and expressions matters. We have the chairs in a horseshoe shape around the camera, so everyone has a seat at the table.”

The group has been using a video camera donated by Texas-based conferencing manufacturer Boom Collaboration. The Boom MEZZO is a compact 4K ‘intelligent’ camera that features electronic pan, tilt and zoom, and built-in AI functions.

It’s linked to a 42” HD TV and external speakerphone. The group has recently received a Boom all-in-one AURA video bar, which offers a more convenient and enhanced experience.

Gull is president and general manager of TRACI.net, which specialises in AV technology, and supports mental health charities and counselling.

“The goal is to make sure even those joining remotely feel they are at the meeting,” he says. “The MEZZO offers phenomenal picture performance and the meetings are controlled manually with a remote by me. It’s a crystal-clear picture.

“As a company, we sell lots of Boom conferencing equipment, predominantly for huddle rooms. It’s becoming the new way to meet in an age of hybrid working.

“We want to accommodate those joining meetings online and those in person to deliver a similar experience. Boom makes this happen. We are hugely grateful for their support and quality equipment.”

Boom Collaboration joint founder Fredrik Hörnkvist says: “When we heard about the life-saving work this group performs, we had no hesitation in supporting them – and we will continue to do so.”

For more information about the Suicide Survivor Group, contact Ilene Leese on ilene@suicidelosssurvivors.org or 856 466 1106.

If you are in crisis, call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline on 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by sending ‘TALK’ to 741741.

Editor’s note: Readers based in the UK and Ireland may contact the Samaritans on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org