“My brother (Brad) took his life at Easter last year. He was a 40 year old man, married with a child. He suffered from schizophrenia for more than 20 years,” he said.

“My mum is still struggling [to deal with his death], probably the most out of our family.”

Major Rogerson’s personal story will help inform a public meeting in Faulconbridge next week aimed at removing the social taboo around suicide and providing support for people who have been bereaved by it.

“When you say you’ve lost a loved one through suicide the conversation usually stops. People don’t know really what to say, that’s the problem,” he said.

The public meeting will be held at the Salvation Army’s Springwood Corp at 15-23 Francis Road, Faulconbridge at 8pm on Thursday, May 19.

The forum follows a Salvation Army-run suicide prevention and bereavement training course held in Faulconbridge last week.

“The effects of suicide dramatically impacts the lives of loved ones with many experiencing feelings of guilt that they didn’t pick up on warning signs along with questions of why which compound the grief and loss experience,” said Major Rogerson.

“It’s to this end that the Salvation Army is committed to offering support through the Hope for Life bereaved by suicide group . . . We would love to see you there and to field any questions you may have about the group.”

For more details contact 4751-1802.