The Month of Hope 2024 is part of the Shining a Light on Suicide campaign and is about raising awareness of suicide by encouraging everyone in Greater Manchester to have open conversations about and play a role in preventing suicide, while inspiring hope across the city-region.
This year’s theme is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ and we will be raising awareness of the actions we can all take to reduce suicide and instill hope.
Events during the Month of Hope 2024
To mark the Month of Hope, a number of events are happening across Greater Manchester, to raise awareness and instill hope. These include vigils of remembrance which offer the opportunity to come together as a community and remember those lost to suicide and provide support for the bereaved, along with both in person and virtual events to mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2024.
Month of Hope 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day virtual event – Tuesday 10 September 2024 – 10:30am-12:30pm
Join us for our World Suicide Prevention Day virtual event! This year’s theme is ‘changing the narrative on suicide’ and with guest speakers to inspire and motivate us all to do what we can to prevent suicide, this promises to be an event you don’t want to miss.
Come along and join others to learn how we can all make a difference.
Book your free tickets to the online event.
Month of Hope 2024 Suicide Prevention Vigils
Lots of vigils are taking place across Greater Manchester on Tuesday 10th September in support of World Suicide Prevention Day. Each vigil offers a time for collective remembrance and aims to honor those lost to suicide.
Bury Suicide Awareness Vigil – Tuesday 10 September 2024
This event starts at 6pm at Kay Gardens, Bury. At 6.30pm there will be guest speakers at the memorial stone and there will be a laying of flowers. At 7pm The Fire Choir will be singing songs of hope.
There’s need to pre-book tickets, just turn up on the day.
Salford Reach Out; START to End Suicide – Vigil and Procession of Remembrance – Tuesday 10 September 2024
This event begins at 6:30pm, starting from START, M6 5BZ, and moving to Salford Museum & Art Gallery for the vigil. Refreshments will be provided in the Art Gallery afterward by Salford Council.
The procession will feature 144 flags, one for each life lost to suicide in the last five years in Salford, carried by their loved ones.
If you would like a loved one’s name added to the roll of remembrance to be read at the vigil, please email their name to dennisb@startinspiringminds.org.uk
There’s need to pre-book tickets, just turn up on the day.
Tameside Suicide Awareness Vigil – Tuesday 10 September 2024
This event starts at 6.30pm at Stalybridge Celtic Football Club, SK15 2RT.
Join this World Suicide Prevention Day vigil to remember those lost to suicide. An informal event will be held to mark the day with support and information stalls, with a candlelight vigil at 8pm.
Month of Hope 2024 Walks of Hope
Walk of Hope Wigan – Sunday 8 September 2024
- Venue: Mesnes Park, WN1 1TU (meet at the pavilion)
- Time: 2pm
- There will also be a paper boat message release at Wigan Pier, followed by a memorial service at Wigan Parish Church, Bishopgate
Walk of Hope Trafford – Wednesday 18 September 2024
- Venue: Starting from Lancashire County Cricket Club, on Talbot Road outside Gate 1. The walk will go up to media city and back to the cricket ground
- Time: 1pm-2pm
- Free tea/coffee/biscuits will be provided after the walk in Exec Box 4 based at the Cricket Club
Walk of Hope Stockport – Friday 20 September 2024
- Venue: Vernon Park, Turncroft Lane, Stockport SK1 4AR
- Time: The walk is 10am-11am then there will be free refreshments until 12pm
- This walk is accessible
Walk of Hope Salford – Thursday 26 September 2024
- Venue: Monton Green, 1hour Wellbeing Walk – Walk of Hope
- Time: 10am-11am
- Meet at: Monton Green, M30 8AP. Meet near the bench
- There’s need to pre-book tickets, just turn up on the day
Support
Support for people bereaved or affected by suicide
The Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death, no matter how long ago.
They are open Monday- Friday 9am-5pm (excluding bank holidays). Call 0161 983 0902 or email gmicb-sal.gm.bs@nhs
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service monthly pop ups
Every first Thursday of the month 10am-12pm, the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service will be hosting monthly pop ups at the House of Books & Friends, Manchester M2 4AH.
All are welcome to attend to learn more about bereavement and the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service. The pop ups are open to the public, service users and professionals.
There will also be an opportunity to speak to a Bereavement Practitioner for help and support.
Each month the topic will change so keep on eye out for information and feel free to get in touch with any questions by calling 0161 983 0902 or emailing gmicb-sal.gm.bs@nhs.net.
For more information and to find out more about the pop ups, visit greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk.
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.
You can also call Samaritans free at any time on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
Support in a mental health crisis
If you feel that you are in a mental health crisis and need urgent support, or you’re concerned about a loved one, neighbour, friend or family member, call the Mental Health Crisis helpline.
They are open day and night, 365 days per year.
- If you live in Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford or Wigan, call 0800 953 0285.
- If you live in Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport, Tameside and Glossop call 0800 014 9995.
No matter what you are experiencing, there are services in your local area to help you when you are struggling.
If you’re feeling suicidal and need help, find local support.
Training
Suicide affects us all and it can feel hard to know how to support someone who you think might be feeling suicidal. Zero Suicide Alliance have created free online training to give you the skills you need to help someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts. The training only takes 20 minutes.
Gain skills and confidence to recognise the signs and speak to someone who may be thinking of suicide.
