A suicide prevention conference was hosted by Every Life Matters last month.
Held at Rheged, near Penrith, it was attended by 200 people.
In sessions, workshops, and panel discussions, attendees were encouraged to start conversations, break down the stigma surrounding suicide, and take action in their workplaces, personal lives, and communities.
The conference was opened by Andy Airey, one of the 3 Dads Walking, who shared the story of his daughter Sophie, who died by suicide in 2018.
He spoke about his determination to bring something positive out of the devastation, and how his campaigning alongside the other dads helped lead to suicide prevention being included in the national curriculum.
He was followed by Every Life Matters co-founders Juliet Gray and Chris Wood, who presented a top 10 of practical actions.
They reminded delegates that everyone has a role to play in reducing suicide through training, getting involved, supporting wider campaigning efforts, and fundraising.
Their message focused on creating a society where suicide is openly talked about, where people feel able to seek help, and are properly supported when they do.
Paul Shearsby and Lisa Birdsall followed, sharing deeply personal lived experiences and the reasons they became involved in the Baton of Hope movement in 2025.
Their stories reinforced the urgent need for continued action and their hope that this work will continue to shape and inspire others, leaving a long-lasting impact and legacy.
Emma Thompson introduced the new free sports initiative Cumbria United Against Suicide, delivered in partnership with Every Life Matters.
The initiative brings together sports clubs across the county to take a stand against suicide. Zarrin Galea and Grant Reid, professional rugby players at Workington Town RLFC, shared a powerful lived experience video, highlighting how asking directly and talking openly can help support someone experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Workshops and sessions, led by the Every Life Matters team and external experts, covered topics, including autism and suicide prevention, workplace strategies, suicide prevention in the farming community, and a panel discussion on suicide and men led by BBC Cumbria’s Mike Zeller.
Chris Wood, CEO and co-founder of Every Life Matters, said: “We are very proud of our second conference.
“The feedback has been amazing, and people left not only with more knowledge and skills in suicide prevention but with real actions they can take immediately to make a difference.
“We are incredibly grateful to all our expert speakers and volunteers who made this day such a lasting success. Suicide rates in Cumbria are still stubbornly high. We call on everyone to take action and prevent suicide.”
For more information, visit www.every-life-matters.org.uk
