Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope, which is now in its fourth year, 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.

The Month of Hope is delivered as 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,  following research showing that talking honestly about suicide helps save lives.  It runs from 10th September to 10th October.

If you are feeling anxious and worried, it is important to remember that help is available to you. You can find out more about the help available and the events on during the Month of Hope below.

Events:

Speak Their Name Quilt Exhibit
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 displayed at the Lowry Theatre Gallery between 10th – 22nd September. The quilt is made of 54 unique squares, each one lovingly created by someone bereaved by suicide.

Rebecca Jackson, a fibre artist and mum bereaved by suicide, was commissioned by Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership to teach people bereaved by suicide how to make their unique squares and provide a peer support group.

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. The private online group is a place for group members to talk about the person they’ve lost and support each other during difficult times.

Book your tickets here www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/speak-their-name

RHS Bridgewater Wellbeing Walk of Hope
There will be a Wellbeing Walk taking place on 4th October (12- 1pm) to help raise the awareness of suicide. Come for a social walk in the beautiful RHS garden, meet new people, have a chat and a drink in the café post walk.

Meet at: 11.50am prompt at the front of the Welcome Building

  • Please bring proof of ID if you are a Salford Resident or an RHS member
  • Wear flat grippy shoes or trainers and suitable clothing for the weather
  • Bring some water
  • The walk route is fully accessible

For more information, visit https://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/events/

Words of Hope
The Words of Hope is back on 6th October! Taking place at Stretford Public Hall between 7pm-9pm, this poetry reading event brings together contributions from Greater Manchester residents, surrounding the theme of hope.

Book your tickets here – Shining a Light on Suicide Campaign Presents: Words of Hope Poetry Event Tickets, Thu 6 Oct 2022 at 19:00 | Eventbrite

Remembrance Vigil
The annual vigil of remembrance, run by Start in Salford’s Reach Out programme, is taking place on 8th October. The vigil offers a time for collective remembrance of those lost to suicide. The ‘Pause the City’ procession will start at Brunswick House, Salford M6 5BZ at 6pm, with the vigil taking place from 7pm at Salford Museum Art Gallery lawn, M4 5WU.

124 yellow flags, each representing a life lost to suicide in Salford over the last five years will be unfurled along the procession route from Start, M6 5BZ to Salford Museum & Art Gallery M3 4WU. Once at the museum & Art Gallery a vigil of speakers and performances will honour the lives of those we have lost to suicide and to those that survive within this community offering our unity and support.

Support:

For support in your local area, click on your nearest town or city below:

Support for people feeling suicidal:

Anyone can experience suicidal thoughts and it can be hard to know how to talk to someone.
Whether you’re feeling suicidal, worried someone else is, or have lost someone to #suicide, you’re not alone. Whatever you’re going through, get the advice and support you need.
Visit www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk
or call Samaritans on 116 123.

Support in a mental health crisis:

Local NHS services offer free helplines to help  people living in the areas we serve. If you are worried or anxious about your mental health or feeling as though you are in a mental health crisis and need urgent support and help, please don’t hesitate to call. The helpline is also there for you if you are concerned about a loved one, neighbour, friend or family member. It is open all day and night, 365 days per year and it is free of charge.

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)

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