People stand listenng to moving speaches, each carry a candle and a flag repreenting a life lost to suicide in Saford

Remembering those lost through suicide in Salford.

START Inspiring Minds held a moving Parade and vigil on Saturday night outside Salford Art Gallery, to remember the 124 people lost through suicide over the past 5 years.

By Sharmaine Entwistle

START Inspiring Minds is a mental health charity based in Salford, the brain child of founder Bernadette Conlon who started the Charity from the boot of her car delivering arts programs to people with mental health issues.

Fast forwards 25 years and the registered Charity now offers creative activities to those that are vulnerable to exclusion and isolation in the Salford community from their excellent facilities which boasts art and media studios, craft workshops and gardens.

‘Reach Out’ Procession of Rememberence organised by Start – Inspiring Minds in Salford,
a flag with the hands emblem.

The Reach Out Start To End Suicide Vigil which usually coincides with Suicide Awareness Day on 10th September but had to be moved to 8th October due to the officical mourning period after the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth, is one of a number of events, promotions and awareness campaigns that Start organise throughout the year based on the foundation and belief that suicide is preventable and everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide.

‘Reach Out’ Procession of Rememberence organised by Start – Inspiring Minds in Salford, a steward watches on as speakers make moving speaches.

The 2022 annual report from the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH) states there were 66,991 suicides in the general population aged 10 years and upwards in the UK between 2009 and 2019, an average of 6,090 deaths per year. 18,268 of those suicide deaths in the UK were commited by patients who had been in contact with mental health services within 12 months of their suicide.

‘Reach Out’ Procession of Rememberence organised by Start – Inspiring Minds in Salford, A lady wearing a t-shirt with Daniel 1992-2020 printed on the back.
‘Reach Out’ Procession of Rememberence organised by Start – A woman holds a flag and candle

START states on their website that “evidence tells us that stigmatising attitudes result in people being less likely to get help or give help. If we don’t speak up about persistent stigma, we are at risk of perpetuating a society where we remain reluctant to reach out for help for ourselves or to others”.

Michelle START charity director told me that she was feeling tired and ready to go home and let out her emotions as the event had been extremly emotional.

‘Reach Out’ Procession of Rememberence organised by Start – Inspiring Minds in Salford, lit candles being held by family and friends in rememberance of those lost to suicide.

In attendance at the Vigil were notable figures including Rebecca Long Bailey the Labour MP for Salford and Eccles who gave a moving speach and read out the names of the 124 people lost to suicide in Salford over the past 5 years, alongside Pat Lally the former actor from Coronation Street, and Rowetta the former Happy Mondays Singer who performed a moving rendition of You’ve got the Love.

‘Reach Out’ Procession of Rememberence organised by Start – Inspiring Minds in Salford, attendees Labour MP Rebecca Long-Bailey, Councillor AnnMarie Humphreys The Ceremonial Mayor and Rowetta Guest Singer.
‘Reach Out’ Procession of Rememberence organised by Start – Inspiring Minds in Salford, Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys Ceremonial Mayor of Salford was in attendance with the Mayor Consort.

The ceremonial Mayor Anne- Marie told me that events like these were important and touch us all, there are so many of us that have experienced suicide in some way by either knowing someone personally who has taken their own life or knowing someone who has lost a loved one to suicide. It is the responsibility of everyone to reach out to those in need of support.