Earlier this month (3 October), personal stories of hope were shared at the NHS Greater Manchester’s event to mark the five-year anniversary of its Shining a Light on Suicide campaign
On hand to hear these stories and to show their support for the campaign were some of Greater Manchester’s (GM) well-known figures, including Sacha Lord, co-creator of Parklife Festival and The Warehouse Project, and the Night Time Economy Advisor to GM Mayor Andy Burnham; and former Manchester United Football Club manager, David Moyes.
The People’s History Museum played host to the event to reflect on progress made so far in the prevention of suicide in GM. The Shining a Light on Suicide campaign was created in 2019 take the subject out of the dark by encouraging everyone in Greater Manchester to talk openly about suicide, suicidal thoughts and suicide bereavement.
Panel discussions were held, which focused on the power of people sharing their personal stories, the vital role that voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) and partnerships play in suicide prevention and the importance of suicide bereavement support.
Representatives from the campaign’s Community of Hope Project, a media project which turns ordinary local people into news reporters to highlight support services in their area, also attended the event.
Throughout the event, attendees could look at the Greater Manchester Speak Their Name Quilt. The quilt is made up of 54 unique squares, each one lovingly made by someone bereaved by suicide.
Poet John O’Neill did a reading of his poem – HOPE: A Real Superpower and the Sing Their Name Choir, a community choir for those bereaved by suicide, performed.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, shared a panel discussion with Sacha Lord, alongside representatives from the League Managers Association (LMA) – Director Sue McKellar and David Moyes. The LMA – which represents football managers across the men’s and women’s professional English leagues – uses the managers’ influence and reach to raise awareness of suicide prevention.
You can support the Shining a Light on Suicide campaign and learn to save a life, by completing the free 30 minute online training. The training has been created to give you the skills you need to help someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts.
