Blackburn and Darwen invited to World Suicide Prevention Day walk, vigil and information stalls

People in Blackburn and Darwen are being invited to come together next week for World Suicide Prevention Day, with a walk, vigil and marketplace planned to remember those whose lives have been lost to suicide and to raise awareness of local help and support.

The event takes place on Thursday 10 September and begins with a walk from Darwen Market Square at 10am. Before setting off, Councillor Anthony Shaw, the new Leader of Darwen Town Council, will speak alongside guest speaker Si Donnelly, founder of Talk Ourselves Well.

The 4.3-mile route will follow the A666 towards Blackburn, with banners and flags made by local groups carrying messages of hope and support for anyone affected by suicide. Among those registered to take part this year are Nightsafe, Rugby League Cares, East Lancs Hospice and local residents.

There will be a stop at Ewood Park at around 11.15am for a short break and refreshments provided by Blackburn Rovers Community Trust before the group continues to Blackburn town centre for the vigil outside Blackburn Town Hall, which starts at 12.30pm.

This year’s event also includes an additional stop at Blackburn Cathedral at 12pm, so people with mobility difficulties can join the final part of the walk to Blackburn Town Hall.

Speakers at the vigil include Margaret Jepson from Samaritans and Shigufta Khan from The Wish Centre, as well as the Leader of the Council Phil Riley, Chief Executive Denise Parks and the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen.

There will also be stalls from 11.30am to 2pm featuring 24 local organisations, community groups and support services offering information, advice and resources on mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention, including Mental Health First Aid training.

Councillor Phil Riley said: “Everyone is welcome to join in any part of our annual World Suicide Prevention Day activities. The day offers a chance to remember those who have lost their lives to suicide with local organisations offering advice for those who are seeking support for themselves, a friend, family member or simply wanting to learn more about the help available locally.

“The 40 second silence, representing one person dying from suicide around the world every 40 seconds, provides an important moment of reflection for everyone to remember those who have lost their lives to suicide and speakers will give messages of hope to those affected by suicide or struggling with their own challenges.

“The activities that will take place are an important part of our work around mental health and wellbeing and I encourage everyone to come along on the day.”

More information and free walk registration is available on the Be Well Daily World Suicide Prevention Day page.