PEOPLE across Tameside are being invited to come together for an awareness walk and candlelit vigil to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
The Anthony Seddon Fund (TASFund) will hold its annual event on Thursday, September 10, bringing people together to remember loved ones, raise awareness of suicide prevention and encourage conversations around mental health.
It follows this year’s international theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, which encourages people to challenge stigma, have compassionate conversations and help create communities where people do not feel alone.
Participants will meet at Tameside Wellness Centre in Denton at 5pm before setting off on an approximately three-mile walk towards Hyde town centre.
The walk is expected to take between one and one-and-a-half hours, with information stalls available at the finish.
A candlelit vigil will then take place at 8pm, giving people an opportunity to remember those who have died by suicide and stand together in hope for the future.
Ben James, operations manager at TASFund, said the event was an opportunity for the community to come together and support one another.
“This event is about bringing people together,” he said.
“It is a chance to remember loved ones, support one another and reinforce the message that suicide can be prevented.
“By starting conversations and showing compassion, we can help ensure that nobody has to face difficult times alone.”
World Suicide Prevention Day takes place annually on September 10 and was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organisation.
TASFund has held its event since 2014, with the charity using the occasion to encourage open conversations about mental health, remember loved ones and highlight the support available locally.
People can register to take part in the walk, the vigil or both.
The charity is also looking for volunteer marshals to help welcome participants, provide support along the route and assist with the safe running of the event.
TASFund is reminding people that support is available throughout the year, including peer support, wellbeing activities, bereavement support and crisis support.
More information and registration are available through TASFund’s website: https://tasfund.org.uk/partnerships-projects/world-suicide-prevention-day/ .