When Andrea lost her sister Jacqueline, to suicide in August 2018, her world fell apart.
Jacqueline, described by Andrea as “larger than life,” was a bright, funny, and beautiful soul, a big character with an even bigger heart. She left behind a young son, a devastated family, and a sister who has never been the same since.
“She had such a presence,” Andrea recalls. “She loved to sing, she was so full of life… the day she died, it changed my world.”
In the aftermath of Jacqueline’s death, Andrea felt confused and alone. She found herself desperately searching for someone or anyone who could relate to the pain she was feeling. That search led her to Sing Their Name, a bereavement choir formed specifically for those affected by suicide. Established by Adele Owen, NHS Greater Manchester’s Suicide Prevention & Bereavement Support Programme Manager, with the support of choir director, Dan McDwyer, it offered Andrea more than just a place to sing, it offered her a connection.
“The choir is the one thing that warms my heart and connects me to my sister,” Andrea says. “Jacqueline loved singing, and I thought maybe this could be a way to honour her. I didn’t expect to find people who understood what I was going through.”
Through the choir, Andrea learned about the Zero Suicide Alliance’s free online suicide prevention training, a short course designed to help people recognise the signs that someone may be struggling and know how to respond. The training is part of the GM wide led campaign Shining a Light on Suicide, as over 200 lives are lost to suicide in the city region every year.
Andrea took the training, determined to make a difference.
“I couldn’t save my sister,” she says, “but maybe I could help someone else.”
Andrea’s passion soon led her to volunteer for the Shining a Light on Suicide campaign at Manchester’s iconic Parklife music festival. Alongside other volunteers, she speaks with festival-goers about the importance of suicide awareness and helps break the stigma around the issue. They handed out more than 5,000 Shining a Light on Suicide wristbands at this summer’s festival and helped guide people to vital resources and support.
“It can be emotionally draining being a volunteer and talking about suicide,” Andrea admits. “But I have to do it. I do it in memory of my sister. I still struggle to this day. I couldn’t save her, and I know I can’t save everyone — but if I can save one person, then I’ve done my best.”
