Cumbria is getting ready to light up the county for World Suicide Prevention Day.
Suicide prevention charity Every Life Matters is encouraging people to join others across the world in lighting a candle to remember those lost to suicide, for those living with thoughts of suicide and to show support for suicide prevention today, September 10.
In light of the Queen’s death, the charity said it may be more important now than ever before to bring the community together and hold the suicide prevention events across the county.
Suicide safer communities co-ordinator Gabby Stephenson-Bell said: “It’s really important that we bring the community together right now, if people want to come along and mourn the Queen at our candle lighting events they are very welcome to do so, but we will still keep our focus on suicide prevention.
“Losing the Queen could have a destabilising effect on peoples lives and could lead to more suicides and we really just want to be there for people during this time.
“It’s more important than ever that these events go ahead and councils, police and people involved with the community have told us they feel this too. Although we have entered an even more uncertain time, there is hope and help out there for people.”
Events are being held at 8pm today in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Maryport, Penrith and Whitehaven and those who can’t make the events are encouraged to light a candle in their window at the same time.
Carlisle resident Lisa Birdsall, who attended last year’s event said: “Last year’s event was very beautiful and touching. For me it’s been very important to feel part of a shared community in the years after I lost my brother Stephen in the most tragic way.
“This was an event to remember those who we miss so dearly in quiet solidarity. It also makes you realise just how many people have been affected – people that share an understanding of this loss like nobody else ever could.”
The events are informal and people can turn up and leave as they wish to light a candle in memory of a loved one lost to suicide, or to show solidarity with those who are struggling right now with thoughts of suicide.
Booking is not required and there will be no speeches, ceremony or pressure to speak to others. Candles will be available and pictures of a lost loved one and/or messages of support to go with the candles are also welcomed.
People are encouraged to turn up any time from 7.30pm onwards, ready for a minute of silence and reflection at 8pm.
Members of Every Life Matters and other local groups will be on hand to talk about help available to those bereaved or impacted by suicide, and about suicide prevention activity happening across the county.
Chris Wood, co-founder and charity manager at Every Life Matters said, “The last two years have been pretty tough, and we have continued to lose to many people to suicide in our County. Each one of these deaths is an individual tragedy with the pain and devastation it causes rippling out far and wide across our local communities.
“We wanted to provide an opportunity for people to come together in person, not just to remember those family members, friends, colleagues, neighbours and community members we have lost to suicide – but also as an act of solidarity and a statement to all those people struggling out there with thoughts of suicide that you are not alone.”
On average, one person a week dies by suicide in Cumbria, which is more than double the amount of people who die on the county’s roads.
Cumbria’s suicide rates remain higher than the national average, with 199 people recorded as dying by suicide from 2019 to 2021.
During this period, Barrow-in-Furness also had one of the highest suicide rates in England. Suicide remains the leading cause of death of young people under 25 and of all men under 50, in the UK.
World Suicide Prevention Day is also an annual reminder that there is an alternative to suicide, and it aims to inspire confidence that actions no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.
The list of event locations is as follows, some locations are still yet to be confirmed due to tributes being held for the Queen.
Those wishing to attend the events are encouraged to check Every Life Matters’ social media for updated locations beforehand.
- Barrow – Outside Barrow Town Hall, opposite The Forum – To be confirmed
- Carlisle – In the Cathedral Courtyard
- Kendal – The Bird Cage, on the corner of Stricklandgate and Finkle Street
- Maryport – Memorial Gardens – To be confirmed
- Penrith – Grounds of St Andrew’s Church
- Whitehaven – Grounds of St Nicholas’ Church
