A NEW support group has been established to cater for the growing demand for services for those in grief after losing someone to suicide.

For some time the Penrith Suicide Prevention and Support Forum has been working with those affected by suicide including family members, community service workers and mental health experts.

When it was realised there was an increasing need for more care for families the Penrith Suicide Bereavement Support Group was developed and in just three months the number attending has doubled.

The network and support group is a partnership between 10 community groups, including Simplicity Funerals, Wesley Mission, Rotary and Sydney West Area Health as well as mental health workers.

Meetings are held each month at Wesley Mission.

The group provides a free service run by professional counsellors. For details call Simplicity Funerals on 47217776 or Wesley Mission on 89229035.

Other recommended support services are Lifeline on 131114 or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300659467.

It's no laughing matter

ALWAYS rushing to find a bathroom or being worried you won't get there in time is no laughing matter for the 37 per cent of Australian women and 13 per cent of Australian men who suffer from urinary incontinence.

A free National Continence Helpline staffed by specialist nurses is available by phoning 1800330066.

The Helpline is an Australian Government initiative run by the Continence Foundation of Australia, a not-for-profit organisation and the national peak body.