A vigil is taking place in Bury town centre this evening (Tuesday, September 10) in memory of those who have been lost to suicide.
The event marks World Suicide Prevention Day which is when organisations around the world get together to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
The memory walk will begin at 6pm from Kay Gardens and continue to the gardens at Castle Leisure Centres where flowers will be laid at a dedicated suicide memorial stone.
The event has been organised in collaboration with The Big Fandango, Bury Samaritans and Bury Council.
More than 250 people attended last year.
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A series of heartfelt speeches will take place from The Big Fandango, Bury Samaritans, those bereaved by suicide and dignitaries from Bury Council with music provided by Bury Fire Choir and Bloco Asha Samba Group.
Bury councillor Tamoor Tariq will also be in attendance. The group will carry 50 large yellow flags to represent each life lost over the last three years.
Andrea Procter, director of Bury Samaritans said: “We need to have those open conversations about suicidal feelings so that we give people the chance to express how they feel and hopefully get the support that they need."
The Big Fandango provides sewing workshops in Bury which are designed to help empower women and can bring people together to forge friendships and help reduce loneliness and anxiety.
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They have been involved in suicide prevention in Bury for the last three years and trained more than 600 people in suicide intervention skills including local businesses, schools, colleges and community groups.
Rebecca Jackson set up the organisation after losing her own daughter to suicide.
She said: “This year the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘let’s change the narrative’.
“Our training course gives people the skills to open up a conversation about suicide and to understand how to signpost people to help.
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“We need to start talking about these topics because that way we can save lives. We would urge anyone to get in touch and do the training to stop people reaching crisis point.”
The month following World Suicide Prevention Day has been adopted as the Month of Hope across Greater Manchester and ends on 10 October which is World Mental Health Day.
The Month of Hope encourages people to talk openly about suicide prevention whilst inspiring hope.
The Month of Hope is delivered as part of the shining a light on suicide campaign which provides information, signposting and support for people with lived experience of suicide and for people.
The event is free to attend, with no booking required. People who would like to take party can turn up at Kay Gardens at 6pm on Tuesday, September 10.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are there to help day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
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