Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope 2025

Changing the narrative on suicide

10 September – 10 October 2025

Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope returns this autumn, running from World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) to World Mental Health Day (10 October). This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” encourages open conversations, challenges stigma, and inspires hope across our communities.

Delivered as part of the Shining a Light on Suicide campaign, the Month of Hope supports the Greater Manchester Suicide Prevention Strategy and invites everyone to play a role in preventing suicide.

Events across Greater Manchester

Time Together Service

Saturday 6 September, 2–3.30pm
Manchester Cathedral
A service of reflection for those affected by suicide. Tea and coffee available afterwards.
You can register here

Speak Their Name Quilt Exhibition

A powerful memorial quilt honouring lives lost to suicide. See More info.

• Trafford Town Hall: Wednesday 10 September, 5pm
• Waterside Arts, Sale: Friday 12 September – Monday 7 October

World Suicide Prevention Day Virtual Event

Wednesday 10 September, 10am–12pm
Topics include:

• BSI Standard for suicide awareness
• Media reporting and IPSO
• Healing through writing and film
• The Great Man Challenge

Register here

Baton of Hope UK Tour – Tameside

Thursday 12 September

The Baton of Hope will arrive in Tameside as part of its journey across the UK to raise awareness for suicide prevention. The event will travel through key landmarks and communities, bringing people together in a shared commitment to hope, conversation, and change.

Timings will be announced closer to the time. For more information visit the Anthony Seddon Fund website. There will also be regular updates about the event on the Anthony Seddon Fund Facebook page.

Local Vigils

Bury Suicide Prevention Day Vigil

Wednesday 10 September, 6–7.30pm
Memory walk from Kay Gardens to Castle Leisure Centre.
Contact: info@thebigfandango.com

Salford Vigil and Flag Procession

Wednesday 10 September, from 6.30pm
Procession from Start Inspiring Minds to Salford Museum.
To add a loved one to the Roll of Remembrance: dennisb@startinspiringminds.org.uk

Tameside Vigil

Wednesday 10 September, doors open from 7.30pm, vigil at 8pm.

The vigil will take place at the Anthony Seddon Centre (12 George Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6AQ.)

Trafford Suicide Awareness Vigil

Wednesday 10 September, 5–6.30pm
Trafford Town Hall
An evening of song, story, and remembrance with the Speak Their Name quilt on display.

Trafford Walk of Hope

Wednesday 1 October, 1–2pm
Starting at Lancashire County Cricket Club (Gate 1), walking to Media City and back.
Free refreshments in the historic pavilion.

Kooth & Qwell Suicide Prevention Webinars

Open to professionals and the public.

• Monday 6 October, 4–5pm
• Tuesday 7 October, 3.30–4.30pm
• Thursday 9 October, 10–11am

You can book here

Training: Learn to Save a Life

As part of the campaign, everyone is encouraged to take the free, 30-minute online training from the Zero Suicide Alliance. This training helps build confidence in recognising the signs that someone may be thinking of suicide and how to support them.

There are also tailored modules available for:

• Veterans
• University students
• Autistic people

Every conversation could make a difference. Start the training here

 Support Services

• NHS 111 – Select the mental health option
• Greater Manchester Bereavement Service – Call 0161 983 0902 or visit the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service website.
• Zero Suicide Alliance Training – Learn to save a life
• Greater Manchester Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise community mental health crisis drop-in services – These community-based services offer immediate support in a safe environment, a listening ear, crisis management, practical support and a quick referral to a mental health assessment if required. Find a drop-in centre in near you.