People who have lost loved ones to suicide will come together as part of a special walk and vigil in Blackburn and Darwen.

The events aim to mark World Suicide Prevention Day (Friday, September 8) and aim to help people with a range of support around suicide prevention.

Everyone can join the walk which will start from the Cafe Hub Darwen, at 3 Foundry Street in Darwen (BB3 0HB) at 11am. It will then head into Blackburn to join the World Suicide Prevention Day vigil which starts at 12.45pm outside Blackburn Town Hall.

The ongoing theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’. This theme is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide.

The Council is working with the Blackburn with Darwen Suicide Prevention Strategic Group to give a wide range of support on the day and beyond.

The main part of the vigil will include a 40 second silence, to highlight that one person dies of suicide around the world every 40 seconds.

There will also be speeches from local people who have lived experience of suicide, having lost loved ones, as well as local mental health champions and councillors who will be there to support the event.

The vigils will also pay tribute to those in our communities who have completed a Suicide Prevention Course.

"These members of the community are known as Orange Button Holders and can be recognised by the Orange Buttons that they may choose to wear – this shows that they are here for anyone who wants to talk to someone about mental health difficulties they may be experiencing.

Cllr Brian Taylor is a member of the Suicide Prevention Strategic Group and an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, and has completed Suicide Prevention Courses.

He  said: "I am a passionate mental health and suicide prevention advocate and have been for quite a few years. I have personal experience of being affected by suicide through the deaths of two close relatives, and I always hope I can help other people who are going through the same situation.

"I have taken these courses and have found then really useful, in learning to talk to people who may be struggling or at risk, or talking to people who are struggling with losing a loved one to suicide. This is very important to me and is a subject very close to my heart.

"It is so important to mark WSPD in order to raise awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding suicide, in order to reduce instances of suicide in our local communities. We want to give hope and show support to anyone in our community who may be struggling.”

Cllr Damian Talbot, Executive member for Public Health, Prevention and Wellbeing, added: "We know that so many people can be affected by the effects of suicide, from family, friends and whole communities. Every story, no matter who is involved, is heart-breaking and painful.

"The Council and our partners are doing wide-ranging work across the borough which is helping to break the stigma around suicide, helping people to talk more openly about it and helping people to get the support they need.

"This year’s event is slightly different as we are holding the special walk from Darwen to further help to raise awareness of suicide and I would encourage everyone who is able to join in at the walk or the vigil to do so to show your support for this incredibly important issue.”

You can find all the information around the walk, the vigils and Orange Button holders by clicking here

You can book your free place by clicking here (%C2%A0https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/world-suicide-prevention-day-walk-tickets-695248455847?aff=oddtdtcreator)