all about SAMM

We are a registered charity, registered on 18th October 1990.  SAMM offers emotional support to those bereaved through murder and manslaughter.

SAMM feel that as part of our support for families we must attempt to make society more aware of the devastating effects of the dreadful crimes of murder and manslaughter.

The charity was established under a Constitution which sets out the objects and powers of the Charity.

Charity Number : 1000598

Registered Office and Operational Address :

Cranmer House, 39 Brixton Road, London SW9 6DZ

about SAMM

SAMM is a non political or religious organisation although we do realise that some people find great comfort in religious or philosophical beliefs.

We also feel that, as part of our support for families we must attempt to make society more aware of the devastating effects of these dreadful crimes.

We do this by giving talks to interested organisations and agencies, by taking part in radio and television programmes and interviews and by talking to serious newspapers and magazines.  We are also consulted in the production of reports and papers produced by the Home Office and other agencies into the effects of crime.  We have met with many members of Parliament and have given evidence before a House of Lords Select Committee and the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee.  

We have together with the other organisations assisted the Home Office in preparing a Homicide Information Pack which it is hoped will be of some help to relatives of victims.  We also help with the training of Victim Support volunteers and give talks to the Police and Crown Prosecution Service.

objects of SAMM

To promote for the benefit of the public any charitable purpose directed to assisting those who have lost through death resulting from murder, manslaughter or unlawful killing (hereinafter referred to as "homicide") of their relative or friend and in particular to promote and protect good health, both mental and physical, relieve poverty and sickness and to advance education in matters of the nature of grieving and bereavement.

To support through self-help groups and contact between members, those who have lost a member of their family or close friend as a result of homicide.

To promote good health, both mental and physical, for those bereaved through homicide in order that they may eventually come to terms with their tragedy and learn to live positively in the future.

To promote and support research into the effects on society of homicide, in order that a caring approach is adopted while emphasising the families' needs for control, information and privacy.

our Team

Two of our key officers here at SAMM are Patsy Cullinan our National Office Co-ordinator and Rose Dixon our National Training & Development Officer.

Following the traumatic experience of Patsy's son's death in 1993, she first contacted SAM for support.  Patsy found through sharing experiences with others who truly understood and could empathise with her that she slowly started to rebuild her life.  Patsy soon realised that in receiving that support there were others who were willing to give their time, in spite of their own pain and loss, to help others.  Patsy drew strength from that and become a volunteer herself in the National Office.

In 1999 when the Home Office increased its grant to SAMM, Patsy successfully applied for the position of National Office Co-ordinator and is currently employed in that role.

As well as being responsible for the administration work of the Charity and the National Executive Committee, Patsy is usually the first point of contact for bereaved relatives seeking support and information from SAMM.

Rose Dixon, National Training & Development Officer became interested in bereavement issues many years old when she was a Clinical Nurse Specialist in cancer care.  Rose realised that the families of terminally ill patients needed bereavement support.  Rose became a bereavement Counsellor with Cruse and worked with many families.

When Rose's 22 year old daughter died in November 1991 she became involved with an organisation which supported bereaved parents. "I met other bereaved parents and found that contrary to what I felt, I was not going mad!  Other parents felt as I did and we helped and supported one another."

Rose spent 3 years in psychotherapy training and worked with many hundreds of bereaved parents and siblings over a long period of time.  Rose was also part of the support team based at Liverpool Football Club after the Hillsborough Disaster.

In 1995, Rose left the Regional Radiotherapy Unit and went to work at Liverpool in the Department of Clinical Psychology.  For 4 years Rose worked on a major Cancer Research Campaign project.  During this time Rose became a Communication Skills Tutor on the new Medical Curriculum, teaching medical students how to communicate with patients.

In 1997 Rose's 3 month old grandson died and as well as grieving for her beloved grandson she endured watching her surviving daughter go through the pain of losing a child.

When Rose saw the job with SAMM advertised she felt that she had enough experience both in a professional and in a personal way of bereavement to be able to offer SAMM her skills.  Rose began working with SAMM in August 1999.

SAMM receives a Home Office grant and part of our Service Level with the Home Office requires us to become involved with helping to train Police Family Liaison Officers (F.L.O.'s).  These are the police officers who support the bereaved family.  We are also involved in helping with training for Crown Prosecution Service, Probation Service, Victim Support and the Witness Service.

"Doing these things won't make things better for people who have already been through the system but the feedback that we are receiving is that it is making a very real difference to newer families."

Copyright © 2002 Support After Manslaughter And Murder "SAMM"