Events being held by Every Life Matters are taking place across the county for World Suicide Prevention Day this month.
World Suicide Prevention Day, on September 10, is an annual day to highlight the need for suicide prevention globally and to also remember those lost to suicide.
Cumbria-based suicide prevention charity Every Life Matters is holding events on the day to help local communities to come together and remember loves ones who have taken their own lives and to show solidarity with those living with thoughts of suicide.
World Suicide Prevention Day is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide, and it aims to inspire confidence and light everyone.
The day highlights that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.
At 8pm around the world, candles are lit to remember people who have lost their lives to suicide.
Each year Every Life Matters holds its own candle lighting events across the county to allow local communities to come together. The charity is welcoming anyone to attend the events in whatever way they feel comfortable, from bringing a picture or memento of a loved one or to watch from a distance.
Paul Ward, suicide bereavement support manager at Every Life Matters, said: “We want to invite everyone touched by suicide to join us, to light a candle in remembrance, and to gather strength from a community who deeply cares and understands the depth of this loss.”
The events are simple and informal. There will be no speeches, ceremonies, or pressure to interact with others unless attendees choose to do so.
The charity asks that those wishing to attend arrive before 8pm to light a candle and share a minute of silence and reflection with people around the world. People are welcome to join the charity from 7pm onwards to meet others or speak with members of Every Life Matters.
The events are taking place:
- Outside Barrow Town Hall
- Carlisle Cathedral
- The Bird Cage, Kendal
- Bandstand, Cornmarket, Penrith
- St Nicholas’ Church, Whitehaven
- Outside Workington Town Hall
In addition to the candle lighting events, throughout the day the charity will be holding open online training session throughout the day which anyone in Cumbria can attend. The training is free for those living and/or working in Cumbria and is in the format of a one-hour bitesize information session aiming to educate individuals on the topic of suicide, stigma, language and prevention.
Every Life Matters also holds monthly support groups in Carlisle, Penrith, Kendal, Barrow, and Maryport. The groups are an opportunity to meet others who have lost someone to suicide in a safe and confidential space and to share experiences and feelings and to give and gain support from one another. The groups are open to anyone who has been bereaved by suicide, no matter how long ago they have lost someone.
The format of the sessions is split into two halves, one including introductions and sharing of experiences and support, the second half is more informal, chatting in smaller groups or pairs over a cuppa and cake. There is no obligation to talk or to share. It could simply be an opportunity to meet others and be in the company of people who might understand better what you have gone through. What you disclose and who you talk to is your choice.
