Events organised by suicide prevention charity Every Life Matters will take place across Cumbria today to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
World Suicide Prevention Day is an annual event to highlight the need for suicide prevention globally and to also remember those lost to suicide.
Cumbrian-based suicide prevention charity Every Life Matters is holding events 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 for 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 hold 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.”
These 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 7.45pm onwards to meet others or speak with members of Every Life Matters.
The events are taking place at:
- Outside Barrow Town Hall
- Carlisle Cathedral
- The Bird Cage, Kendal
- St Andrew’s Church, Penrith
- St Nicholas Church, Whitehaven
This year’s events are also being supported by Cumberland Council, which will light up landmark council buildings in Carlisle, Workington, and Whitehaven in purple to mark the occasion and show solidarity with those affected by suicide.
Training & support
Alongside the candlelight events, Every Life Matters also runs free online suicide prevention training sessions. These one-hour, bitesize sessions cover suicide awareness, stigma, language, and practical steps for prevention.
The charity also hosts monthly peer support groups in Carlisle, Penrith, Kendal, Barrow, Whitehaven, and Maryport. These groups offer a safe and confidential space for anyone bereaved by suicide, no matter how long ago their loss. Each session combines supportive sharing and informal conversation over a cuppa, with no pressure to talk unless attendees feel ready.
The groups take place on different days depending on their location.
For more information about Every Life Matters, visit https://www.every-life-matters.org.uk/
