The community of Blackburn and Darwen will come together on September 10 to raise awareness and support for suicide prevention. The event, organized by Borough Mayor Cllr Brian Taylor, aims to promote mental health awareness and encourage open conversations about suicide. Cllr Taylor, who has personally experienced the loss of two relatives to suicide, is passionate about mental health and suicide prevention. “I have been a mental health and suicide prevention advocate for a long time now, as I have lost two close relatives to suicide,” he said. “This is a subject very close to my heart, and I believe that by talking openly and honestly about mental health and suicide, we can make a big difference.”
The event will kick off with a “Walking the Walk” activity, which will start at 10:15 am at the statue of the falcon in Darwen Market Square. Participants will walk to Blackburn Rovers’ Ewood Park stadium, where they will be able to take a pitch-side photo. The walk will then continue to Blackburn town centre, where the vigil will take place outside Blackburn Town Hall. The walk is designed to be a symbolic representation of the journey that people may take when struggling with mental health issues, and the support that is available to them.
The vigil will feature local speakers, including individuals who have been affected by suicide, as well as representatives from local organizations that provide support and services for those struggling with mental health issues. The event will also include the lighting of a special candle to symbolize hope and the community around suicide prevention. The candle will be lit by Cllr Taylor, and will remain lit throughout the vigil as a reminder of the importance of hope and support.
One of the most powerful moments of the vigil will be a 40-second silence, which will be observed to signify that one person dies of suicide around the world every 40 seconds. This poignant reminder of the scale of the issue will serve as a catalyst for conversation and action. The silence will be followed by a minute of applause, to show support for those who have been affected by suicide.
The vigil will also pay tribute to those in the community who have completed a Suicide Prevention Course, which is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to support those who may be struggling with mental health issues. Participants who have completed the course can be recognized by their Orange Buttons, which will be worn during the vigil. The course is an important part of the event, as it provides individuals with the tools and confidence to support those who may be struggling.
In addition to the walk and vigil, an information and awareness marketplace will be set up outside Blackburn Town Hall from 11:30 am. The marketplace will feature stalls from a range of organizations, including the Carers Service, NHS Talking Therapies, ReAlign Futures, Adult Learning / Speak Their Name, East Lancashire Hospice, Samaritans, Blackburn Foodbank, Bags for Strife, Offload Charity, Kooth, Nightsafe, Youth Action, Child Action North West, Lancashire Mind, the IMO Charity, and Shad Chefs Women’s Hub. These organizations will provide information and resources on mental health, suicide prevention, and support services available in the community.
Visitors will be able to learn more about the services and support available, as well as connect with others who may be going through similar experiences. The marketplace will also provide an opportunity for individuals to share their own stories and experiences, and to find support and guidance from others who have been affected by suicide.
Cllr Taylor emphasized the importance of talking about mental health and suicide, saying, “If we can talk to each other and support people who are struggling, we can make a big difference. The courses available in Blackburn and Darwen are wonderful, they are incredibly informative and useful in terms of being able to feel more comfortable talking to people who may be struggling or at risk.” He also highlighted the importance of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, saying, “We need to create a culture where people feel comfortable talking about their mental health, and where they know that they will be supported and listened to.”
The event is open to everyone, and attendees are encouraged to wear orange to show their support for suicide prevention. By coming together to raise awareness and support for suicide prevention, the community of Blackburn and Darwen can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by mental health issues. The event is a powerful reminder that suicide is a preventable tragedy, and that by working together, we can create a safer and more supportive community for everyone.
The event will be a powerful and moving experience, and will provide an opportunity for individuals to come together and show their support for those affected by suicide. It is a chance for the community to come together and say that they care, and that they are committed to supporting those who may be struggling. The event is a testament to the power of community and the importance of supporting one another, and it is an important step towards creating a safer and more supportive community for everyone.