Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope

Delivered as part of the Shining a Light on Suicide Campaign, the month begins on World Suicide Prevention Day (10^th Sept) and runs to World Mental Health Day (10^th Oct) and is focussed on encouraging open conversations about suicide and instilling hope across the city region.

Research tells us that talking about suicide doesn’t put the idea in someone’s mind but can lead to a person feeling supported reducing their risk of taking their life. Just being there to listen and showing you care can help. To increase confidence to have those conversations we encourage everyone to set aside just 20 minutes to complete free online training Learn to Save a Life – Shining a Light on Suicide

To mark the Month of Hope, a number of events are happening across Greater Manchester, to raise awareness and instill hope.

World Suicide Prevention Day Virtual Event – 8^th September

Greater Manchester’s ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ on-line event will take place on Friday 8th September 2023, 10am-12pm.  The theme is, ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ and promises to be a great session you won’t want to miss. We have guest speakers to inspire and motivate us all to do what we can to prevent suicide. Please come along and join others to learn how we can all make a difference. A full agenda will be shared nearer the time. Please direct any enquiries to adele.owen1@nhs.net

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/greater-manchester-world-suicide-prevention-day-virtual-event-tickets-690714615007

Vigils of Remembrance – 10^th September

 The vigils each offer a time for collective remembrance for those we have lost to suicide.

• Salford: The Salford ‘Pause the City’ procession will begin at START Wellbeing Centre & Salford Museum & Art Gallery, M6 5BZ at 6.30pm, with the vigil taking place from 7pm at Salford Museum Art Gallery, M4 5WU. 130 yellow flags will be unfurled along the procession route leading to the Salford Museum & Art Gallery. Once at the Museum & Art Gallery, a vigil will be held featuring speakers and performances that respectfully honor the lives lost to suicide. To book your ticket visit WSPD Flag Bearer Tickets, Sun 10 Sep 2023 at 18:30 | Eventbrite.
• Tameside: The Tameside vigil commences at 7pm with a candlelit vigil at 8pm and will be held at the Anthony Seddon Centre, 12, George Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne, OL6 6AQ.
• Bury: Meeting in Kay Gardens, Bury at 1.45pm for a 2pm start, this vigil walk will end at the front of Castle Leisure Centre Gardens where flowers will be laid at the Suicide Memorial Stone. 50 flags will be carried representing each life lost over the last 3 years. To carry a flag or for further information contact Rebecca Jackson at info@thebigfandango.com

Speak Their Name Greater Manchester Suicide Memorial Quilt 12^th September – 10^th October 2023- Bury Art Gallery

The Speak Their Name Greater Manchester Suicide Memorial Quilt, made in memory of those who have died by suicide in the city-region, will be on display at Bury Art Gallery 12^th September until 10^th October 2023. The quilt is made of 54 unique squares, each one lovingly created by someone bereaved by suicide. As well as remembering those lost to suicide, the quilt aims to raise awareness of the impact of suicide and the benefits of peer support and creative activities. For more information visit www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/speak-their-name.

RHS Bridgewater Wellbeing Walk of Hope – 26^th September

There will be a Wellbeing Walk taking place at RHS Bridgewater on Tuesday 26th September 12pm – 12.30pm to help raise awareness of suicide. There’s no need to book, just turn up 10 minutes before the start of the walk. Payment to enter the garden will be required unless a Salford Resident or RHS member.

• Wear flat grippy shoes or trainers, suitable clothing for the weather and bring some water
• Salford Residents can access the RHS Bridgewater for free on a Tuesday, so bring proof of address
• Please bring proof of ID if you are a Salford Resident or an RHS member

Words of Hope poetry event – 5^th October

Please join us for our annual Words of Hope poetry event which will take place at Stretford Public Hall, Chester Road, Trafford M32 0LG on Thursday the 5th October as part of our Month of Hope activities. The evening will start at 7pm and run till 9pm. Refreshments will be served.  There is no cost to attend.

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/words-of-hope-poetry-event-tickets-690738536557?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1

Please join us in sharing hope across Greater Manchester