People across Cumbria are being invited to attend a suicide prevention conference later this month.
It aims to equip communities with the confidence and practical tools to help prevent suicide.
The Every Life Matters Suicide Prevention Conference will take place on April 23 at Rheged, near Penrith, from 8.30am to 4.30pm, bringing together people from across the county who want to learn how they can support others and help save lives.
There are only a few tickets remaining and the event looks to sell out for the second year running.
The conference is built around a simple message: suicide is preventable, and taking action can make a real difference.
Every Life Matters said Cumbria continued to have some of the highest suicide rates in England.
It added: “For many people in the county, suicide is not an abstract issue – it is something that has affected their family, friends, or community.”
Following the success of last year’s sell-out event, organisers said the conference was open to anyone who wants to better understand how to help someone who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Guest speakers include Mike Zeller, of BBC Radio Cumbria who will be hosting a panel discussion on supporting men with thoughts of suicide.
Andy Airey, of 3 Dads Walking will open the conference, and talk about the new changes to the school National Curriculum this September, which will now include suicide prevention.
Chris Wood, CEO and co-founder of Every Life Matters, said: “This conference is for anyone who wants to understand what they can do to help their colleague, mate or relative.
“You don’t need to be a professional, and you don’t need to have all the answers. What matters is being willing to take action, ask directly if someone is having thoughts of suicide, and know what to do next.”
Topics will include:
- Suicide and men – how do we start the conversation?
- Supporting people with long-term thoughts of suicide
- Reaching out to the farming community
- Supporting people who are in crisis
Chris added: “All of us can play a part in preventing suicide. This conference is about giving people the confidence and tools to do that, with practical actions people can take every day.”
Tickets are £95 for the private sector and £75 for charity, community and public sector organisations, and include lunch.
Anyone for whom cost is a barrier is encouraged to contact the charity directly.
More information and booking details are available at www.every-life-matters.org.uk/suicide-prevention-conference-2026/
You can also watch highlights from last year’s conference here: https://youtu.be/qPxRM7Xy33w
More information and booking details are available at: www.every-life-matters.org.uk/suicide-prevention-conference-2026/
