START, the esteemed mental health charity in Salford, is delighted to unveil its forthcoming Vigil & Procession of Remembrance in commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day. This profound event, is being run by its award-winning initiative 'Reach Out; Start to End Suicide' and with the support of the Salford Integrated Care Partnership, has garnered the backing Living Experience Advocate, Melanie Anderton. Its mission is to pay homage to those who have been lost to suicide and extend a hand of support to the bereaved.

Taking place on Sunday, September 10th, members of the public are invited to gather at the Starts Wellbeing Centre to stand as a united community before embarking on the Vigil & Procession of Remembrance. This impactful occasion serves as a poignant tribute to those departed, offering solace and empathy for those who remain.

A highlight of the event will be Melanie Anderton, a mother who experienced the heartrending loss of her son Jake to suicide. At just 23 years old, Jake, a talented photographer, left behind a legacy that has driven his mother to advocate for improved mental health services and support systems.

Melanie Anderton said “Growing up Jake didn’t have any issues around his mental health, he was confident, popular and enjoying the student life and travelling with friends”.

“Everything changed just 10 months before he died. Jake suddenly became . . .reckless, impulsive, obsessive, spending money and rapid mood swings. All completely out of character”.

“To cut a long story short Jake more than likely had Bi-Polar and he was self-medicating using Benzodiazepines purchased over the internet. Jake was very open and honest with both myself and the medical professionals and substance misuse team about what he was doing and how he was feeling. He was desperate for help and could not have shouted any louder. Jake was denied a mental health assessment due to his substance misuse and this is where things spiralled out of control”.

"Jake's story is a reminder of the urgent need for enhanced mental health services and cohesive support structures," shared Melanie Anderton. "We cannot change the past, but we can come together to prevent such tragedies in the future."

Jake's untimely departure spotlighted the importance of cohesive services and early intervention. His journey, marked by sudden and uncharacteristic behavioural shifts, revealed gaps in the existing support system. Through introspection and engagement with professionals, Melanie Anderton has tirelessly pursued improvements to mental health care accessibility and effectiveness.

Symbolising the impact of suicide on the Salford community, 130 yellow flags will be unfurled along the procession route leading to the Salford Museum & Art Gallery. Each flag represents a life lost to suicide in Salford over the past five years, creating a poignant visual tribute.

Once at the Museum & Art Gallery, a solemn vigil will be held, featuring Melanie Anderton along with other speakers and performances that respectfully honour the lives lost to suicide. These include Singer/Song-Writer Vinny Peculiar, Salford Ceremonial Mayor, Gina Reynolds, Salford Council Chief Executive, Tom Stannard, Living Experience advocate Melanie Anderton, Poet, Jardel Rodrequies, and more. Salford CVS CEO, Alison Page, will be our host on the evening.

The World Suicide Prevention Day Vigil of Remembrance will commence at 6:30 PM on Sunday, September 10th, at the START Wellbeing Centre (M6 5BZ). The Procession of Remembrance will then begin at 7:00 PM, culminating in the Vigil of Remembrance at 7:15 PM at the Salford Museum & Art Gallery (M5 4WU).

START urges all community members to unite in remembrance and support. Together, we can bring attention to the critical need for mental health awareness, advocate for well-being, and collaboratively strive to avert further tragedies.

To have a loved one's name added to the roll of remembrance, which will be read at the vigil, or to carry a flag in the procession of remembrance, please contact Dennis Baldwin at dennisb@startinspiringminds.org.uk.

Start Inspiring Minds encourages everyone to participate and stand together in remembrance and support. By joining forces, we can raise awareness, promote mental well-being, and strive towards preventing further tragedies.

To keep up to date and join ‘Reach Out; Start to End Suicide’ visit: www.startinspiringminds.org.uk/reachout and follow us on social media @reachoutstes

Are you having suicidal thoughts, are worried about someone who think maybe suicidal or experiencing difficulties coping after the loss of someone to suicide please visit ‘Shining A Light On Suicide’ [ Ссылка ]

свернуть