Honouring Lives, Inspiring Hope: Join Us for the ‘World Suicide Prevention Day Vigil & Procession of Remembrance’
On Tuesday, 10th September at 6.30pm, the community of Salford and Greater Manchester will come together for a poignant and powerful event: the ‘World Suicide Prevention Day Vigil & Procession of Remembrance.’ This heartfelt gathering, organised by the award-winning initiative 'Reach Out; Start to End Suicide' under the mental health charity ‘START,’ is supported by the Salford Integrated Care Partnership and GM Integrated Care Partnership. The event aims to honour lives lost to suicide and provide unwavering support to those affected by these tragedies.
Kasia Halani, founder of Jak's World, will be among the speakers. Jak's World is a suicide prevention charity established in memory of her son, Jakub, who took his own life, he was a talented 19-year-old with a promising future in music production. Jakub's music, viewed and streamed over 80 million times, continues to inspire many. “Jak's World was created to honour my son's legacy and to provide essential support to those in need,” says Kasia Halani. “Our aim is to prevent suicide by offering emotional and practical services to the community.”
Initially a community interest company, Jak's World became a fully registered charity in June 2024. The charity provides services such as Emotional Health First Aid, Suicidal Thoughts First Aid, career and education support, financial management advice, and music production support, all free of charge. Jak's World relies on donations and is currently seeking auction prizes for their fundraising event during Suicide Prevention Week.
The evening will feature a solemn procession adorned with 144 yellow flags, each symbolising a life tragically lost to suicide in Salford over the past five years. The procession will lead through the heart of the community, concluding at the Salford Museum & Art Gallery. Here, attendees will experience heartfelt performances and speeches from notable figures, including acclaimed local poet Andy Green, representatives from Salford Council and the NHS, and other dedicated community leaders.
In a touching gesture of remembrance, participants are encouraged to reach out to START to include the name of a loved one in the remembrance roll, which will be read aloud during the Vigil. This act of naming serves as a tribute to those lost and a vital part of collective healing and support for those suffering in silence.
Dennis Baldwin, 'Reach Out; Start to End Suicide' stated “When a person dies, others offer empathy and compassion, but when it’s by suicide, there is stigma around that death, the loved ones of those lost to suicide are often treated differently, and become isolated. Sadly, they themselves become at higher risk of suicide. This Vigil & Procession of Remembrance is about breaking though, putting a halt to this cycle of suicide that survivors face”.
"The ‘Vigil & Procession of Remembrance’ will remember those that we have lost and demonstrate to those that have lost loved ones to suicide that the community is here for them with this mass demonstration of support. It contributes towards smashing the stigma that is associated with suicide in all its forms, and contributing to a community that enables people to discuss suicide and enable people to disclose when they are experiencing suicidal thoughts and ideas" Dennis added.
Previous participants have expressed their profound emotions, with one saying, "Very moving and poignant. A profound event which raises awareness of suicide, reducing stigma and helping to push for change." Another commented, "This has been a fantastic evening on so many levels. It was very informative about suicide, its impact and prevention, and I found the personal stories and songs incredibly moving."
The Vigil & Procession of Remembrance will feature Andy Green, Poet; Clare Mayo, Salford Council & GM NHS; Jenni Smith, Loaves & Fishes; H2S, Performer; Judd Skelton, Chair GM Suicide Prevention Executive; Kasia Halani , Jak’s World; Paul Dennett, Mayor of Salford, Streetwise Opera; Tom Stannard; CE Salford Council plus more.
START and its 'Reach Out; Start to End Suicide' initiative are dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and prevention of suicide in the Salford community. Their unwavering commitment to commemorating World Suicide Prevention Day and advocating for improved mental health services and support remains steadfast.
There will also be a remembrance roll that will be read out at the Vigil and if anyone wants the name of a loved one to be included email dennisb@startinspiringminds.org.uk
World Suicide Prevention Day Vigil of Remembrance, Tuesday, 10th September
6.30pm Gather START Wellbeing Centre for Procession of Remembrance, 62 Broad Street, Salford, M6 5BZ, 7.30pm Vigil of Remembrance, Salford Museum & Art Gallery, The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WU
For more information on or to offer support to ‘Jak’s World’, please contact Kasia Halani at Talktous@jaksworld.org
To keep up to date and join ‘Reach Out; Start to End Suicide’ visit: www.startinspiringminds.org.uk/reachout and follow us on Facebook or X (formerly Twitter) @reachoustes ; for more information please email dennisb@startinspiringminds.org.uk
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’ www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/