Greater Manchester Month of Hope 2023 | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership

Month of Hope is part of the Shining a Light on Suicide Campaign, which aims to bring the issue of suicide out of the dark and break the stigma that surrounds it. This follows research which shows that talking honestly about suicide helps save lives.

Now in its fifth year, events are taking place across Greater Manchester during the month which runs from World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 World Mental Health Day on October 10.

It is also important to remember that help is available if you are feeling anxious and worried about yourself or someone else, of if you have been bereaved by suicide. More information is below.

Events:

Words of Hope poetry evening

Stretford Public Hall, Thursday 5 October, 7pm-9pm.

Greater Manchester residents will share their poems on the theme of hope. This is the fifth year of this inspiring event. Refreshments will be available.

Book your tickets for Words of Hope.

Greater Manchester World Suicide Prevention Day online event

Friday 8 September, 1-am-12pm.

Guest speakers will inspire and motivate you to help prevent suicide.

Book you tickets for the online event.

Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt exhibition

Bury Alt Gallery, September 12 to October 10.

The Speak Their Name Greater Manchester Suicide Memorial Quilt has been made in memory of those who have died by suicide. It has 54 unique squares, each one lovingly created by someone bereaved by suicide.

Find out more about the memorial quilt exhibition.

RHS Bridgewater Wellbeing Walk of Hope

RHS Bridgewater, 26 September, 12pm 12.30pm.

A social walk in the beautiful RHS garden to raise awareness of suicide. Meet new people, have a chat and enjoy a drink in the cafe after the walk.

There’s no need to book, just turn up 10 minutes before the start. Free entry for Salford residents and RHS members. Other visitors must pay for entry to the garden.

Wear flat grippy shoes or trainers, suitable clothing for the weather and bring water
Salford Residents can enter 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

Remembrance Vigils

Vigils are taking place in Greater Manchester on World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 to remember those lost to suicide and support those who have been bereaved by suicide.

Salford

The Pause the City procession leaves START Wellbeing Centre at 6.30pm. 130 yellow flags will be unfurled along the procession route to the Salford Museum & Art Gallery.

A vigil follows at Salford Museum & Art Gallery at 7pm, featuring speakers and performances honouring lives lost to suicide.

Find out more and book a ticket to take part.

Tameside

A informal event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. Starts at Anthony Seddon Centre at 7pm, with a candlelit vigil at 8pm.

Bury

Meet at Kay Gardens 1.45pm for a walk at 2pm to 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 three years.

If you would like to carry a flag, or for more information, contact Rebecca Jackson info@thebigfandango.com.

Support for people feeling suicidal

Anyone can experience suicidal thoughts and it can feel hard to know how to talk to someone.

If you’re feeling suicidal, worried someone else is, or have lost someone to suicide, you’re not alone. Visit Shining a Light on Suicide for more information.

Call Samaritans free at any time on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

Support in a mental health crisis

Local NHS services offer free helplines to support people who may be struggling with their mental health.

Please don’t hesitate to call if you are worried or anxious about your mental health, or you feel that you are in a mental health crisis and need urgent support and help.

The helplines are also there if you are concerned about a loved one, neighbour, friend or family member. They are open day and night, 365 days per year.

If you live in Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford or Wigan, call 0800 953 0285 (Greater Manchester Mental Health)
If you live in Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside or Stockport, call 0800 014 9995 (Pennine Care)