Light a candle on World Suicide Prevention Day
8pm on the 10th of September 2023 in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Maryport, Penrith and Whitehaven.
These events are an opportunity to come come together in solidarity with others who have lost family members, friends and colleagues to suicide, and those who want to show their support for people in our communities who are living with thoughts of suicide.
World Suicide Prevention Day is an annual reminder that there is an alternative to suicide, and it aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us. That our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.
These are simple and informal events. There will be no speeches, ceremony or pressure to speak to others, unless you want to.
Please be there before 8.00pm ready to light a candle, and to share a minute silence and reflection with poeple aroudn the world on the hour. You are more than welcome to join us anytime from 7.00 pm to meet others or to talk to members of Every Life Matters.
Resources for organisations and community groups
ELM- Suicide prevention community pack< < download.
For any organisation or community group across Cumbria this pack provides resources for your team to share amongst your local community and help build awareness. This includes social media graphics, posters and ways to get involved.
We hope the information within the pack will provide you with plenty of information to help raise awareness and further conversations about suicide.
Download and display these posters around your club.
World Suicide Prevention Day poster download here
Orange Button Training poster download here
Poster pack download here
Social Media pack WSPD 2023 social media
Resources for sports clubs
ELM- Suicide prevention sports pack < < download.
For sports clubs across Cumbria this pack provides resources for your team to share amongst your local community and help build awareness. This includes social media graphics, posters and ways to get involved.
We hope the information within the pack will provide you with plenty of information to help raise awareness and further conversations about suicide.
Download and display these posters around your club.
World Suicide Prevention Day poster download here
Orange Button Training poster download here
Sports club poster pack download here
Sports Club Social Media Pack WSPD 2023 Sports social media
Last year's event was very beautiful and touching. For me it’s been very important to feel part of a shared community in the years after I lost my brother in the most tragic way. This was an event to remember those who we miss so dearly in quiet solidarity. It also makes you realise just how many people have been affected - people that share an understanding of this loss like nobody else ever could. Lisa - Carlisle
You are welcome to turn up anytime from 7:00pm onwards but make sure you are here before 8pm so you have time to light your candle ready for the minute’s silence.
Candles are available at the marquee if you haven’t brought your own. Pictures of a lost loved one and messages of support are also welcomed. These can be taken away as you leave or can be left with us. We’ll take great care of these items. They serve as a precious reminder to us of the importance and urgency of our charity’s work.
We will share a minute of silence and reflection together at 8:00pm.
You are welcome to stay around after 8:00pm to talk to others, or to members of Every Life Matters who will be on hand to welcome you, to listen to you, and to inform you about support available for those bereaved by suicide and those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide. Events are based outside, but if it is raining or excessively windy we will move inside or under shelter at each venue.
We looking forward to seeing you there.
Barrow-in-Furness, Town Hall
Opposite The Forum on Duke Street
Carlisle Cathedral
Cathedral grounds off Castle Street
Kendal, The Bird Cage
On the corner of Stricklandgate and Finkle Street
Maryport, Memorial Gardens
War Memorial Gardens on Curzon Street
Bandstand Cornmarket, Penrith
The Bandstand at Cornmarket
Whitehaven – St Nicholas Church
In the church grounds
If you are not able to make any of the events on World Suicide Prevention Day you can still join with others across the world by lighting a candle in your window at 8:00pm to remember those lost to suicide.
You are welcome to post your candle photos, memories and messages on our Facebook page.