Tomorrow, 10th September, is World Suicide Prevention Day, and to remember those who have been lost to suicide and in support of those left behind, there will be a Vigil and Procession of Remembrance from the Start Wellbeing Centre to Salford Museum and Art Gallery, beginning at 6:30pm.
Yellow flags, each representing a life lost to suicide, will be unfurled along the procession route and, once at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, there will be a vigil including a speech by Salford's Maria Roberts who lost her father to suicide in 2012...
"Losing my dad to suicide has been one of the most traumatic events of my life" she says "Not knowing where to turn and with little support it has been a very confusing and devastating time for me and my family. Those of us bereaved by suicide often feel an immense sense of misplaced guilt and shame, which is exasperated by the stigma associated with this type of loss. It is encouraging to see Salford holding this vigil to openly remember our loved ones and to work against the stigma and shame of suicide.
"At last year's vigil I carried a flag to remember my dad" she adds "It was a touching and moving experience for me as it was the first opportunity I had to publicly remember my dad and have my loss acknowledged."
The vigil will also feature performances from Hacienda Classical Principle Vocalist, Yvonne Shelton, and musician, James Holt, plus poets JB Barrington and Jardel Rodrigues.
Also taking part are Nav Kapur, Head of Research at the Centre for Suicide Prevention at the University of Manchester, Jon Rouse, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Health and Social Care, Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Mayor, plus Paul Dennett, Mayor of Salford, and Councillor Jane Hamilton, Mental Health lead at Salford Council. The evening will be hosted by Jill Bowyer from Salford City Radio.
"When a person dies, others offer empathy and compassion, but when its by suicide, there is stigma around that death, the loved ones of those lost to suicide are often treated differently, and become isolated" explains Dennis Baldwin, from Start Inspiring Minds "Sadly, they themselves become at higher risk of suicide. This Vigil and Procession of Remembrance is about breaking through, putting a halt to this cycle of suicide that survivors face.
"The Vigil of Remembrance will remember those that we have lost and demonstrate to those that have lost loved ones to suicide that the community is here for them with this mass demonstration of support" he adds "It contributes towards smashing the stigma that is associated with suicide in all its forms, and contributing to a community that enables people to discuss suicide and enable people to disclose when they are experiencing suicidal thoughts and ideas."
Vigil and Procession of Remembrance
Tuesday 10th September 6:30pm (meet at 6pm)
From Start Wellbeing Centre M6 5BZ to Salford Museum and Art Gallery
If anyone wants to have a loved one's name added to the roll of remembrance which will be read at the vigil or carry a flag in the procession of remembrance email: dennis.baldwin@startinspiringminds.org.uk
For more details – click here
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