Month of Hope – Raising Awareness of Suicide

World Suicide Prevention Day 2022 is on Saturday (10 Sep), launching a Month of Hope which will run until World Mental Health Day on 10 October.

The Month of Hope aims to raise awareness of suicide and encourage people to have open conversations about their mental health, while also sharing positive messages of hope.

The campaign urges residents to join organisations in sharing what gives them hope. Bury residents can do this with friends, family and on social media using the hashtag #MonthofHope. (Keep an eye on Bury Council’s social media for opportunities to join the conversation).

As part of The Month of Hope, on Saturday 10 September there will be a Bury Remembrance Vigil to remember those lost to suicide across the borough and to raise awareness and give support to the friends and families left behind. The walk will set off from Kay Gardens in Bury at 4.30pm and go to Castle Leisure Centre where a memorial stone donated by The Big Fandango will be unveiled. Anyone who wishes to take part in the walk should contact Rebecca Jackson at the Big Fandango: info@thebigfandango.com

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, Bury Council's cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “In Bury we are proud to support such a worthy campaign. Recently, with the Covid pandemic, life has been difficult for many of us, so it is more important than ever to connect with people and talk about your thoughts and feelings.

“If you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to, there is lots of support available locally. Our Getting Help Line is available six days a week for people from Bury of all ages. If you feel you need some advice, guidance or support, get in touch and the team will help to connect you with the best local services to meet your needs.”

* If you need support in Bury, contact Bury’s Getting Help Line for confidential support to all ages. Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm, you can call 0161 464 3679. More information here: https://theburydirectory.co.uk/wellbeinghub

* If someone needs help, Samaritan’s volunteers are always there, whatever you are going through. Call for free on 116 123 - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year: https://www.samaritans.org/.

* You can also text 85258 to Shout, which is a free 24/7 mental health text support line. More information is on the website https://giveusashout.org/

* In addition, the Greater Manchester ‘Shining A Light on Suicide’ campaign provides advice and resources for anyone feeling suicidal, support if you are concerned about someone and bereavement support. More information is on the website https://www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/home/

* If you have been bereaved by suicide, Greater Manchester Bereavement Service is available to support anyone bereaved or affected by suicide. It is a confidential information phone and email service. Visit the website for more information: https://greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk/