Volunteer Opportunities

As World Suicide Prevention Day approaches, we are reaching out to invite compassionate and dedicated individuals to join us as volunteers—our "VIGIL-antes"—at our World Suicide Prevention Day Vigil & Procession of Remembrance. This meaningful event will take place at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, September 10th.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, September 10th
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: START M6 5BZ with the Vigil taking place at Salford Museum & Art Gallery with refreshments in the Art Gallery afterwards.

The Vigil & Procession of Remembrance is a powerful and moving event aimed at raising awareness about suicide prevention, supporting those who have been affected by suicide, and remembering loved ones lost. We need your help to make this event a success.

Volunteer Roles:
• Event Setup and Cleanup: Assist with arranging the venue before the event and ensuring everything is tidied up afterward.
• Guides and Ushers: Help attendees find their way, distribute materials, and provide general assistance.
• Candle Distribution: Hand out candles and ensure they are safely lit for the vigil.
• Support Staff: Offer emotional support to attendees, ensuring a comforting and safe environment for all.
• Procession Marshals: Guide participants through the procession route, maintaining order and safety.
• Social Media: Using our @ReachOutSTES to post live updates and images/videos of the procession and vigil.
• Donation Collection: Collecting donations and selling our yellow awareness ribbons & candles
• Feedback Collection: Distribute and collect evaluation forms from participants in the Art Gallery.
• Photography and videoing
• And more!
All ‘VIGIL-antes’ will receive full training as part of their induction.
Why Volunteer?
• Make a Difference: Your contribution will help raise awareness and support for suicide prevention.
• Community Engagement: Connect with others who share a commitment to this important cause.
• Personal Growth: Gain a sense of fulfilment and purpose by supporting those in need.

The Vigil & Procession of Remembrance remembers those we have lost and demonstrates to those who have lost loved ones to suicide that the community is here for them. This mass demonstration of support contributes towards breaking the stigma associated with suicide, fostering a community where people feel safe to discuss and disclose suicidal thoughts and ideas. A procession of 177 flags, one for each life lost to suicide in the last five years in Salford, will be carried by their loved ones. If you would like to have a loved one’s name added to the roll of remembrance, which will be read at the vigil, please email their name to me.
In return for your much-appreciated time and dedication, you will receive a highly sought-after Vigil & Procession of Remembrance T-shirt, and we hope to join together for a celebratory drink after the vigil.

To join us as a volunteer VIGIL-ante, please reply to this email to let me know that you would like to be a VIGIL-ante. If you have any questions or need further information, please let me know.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Together, we can create a supportive and compassionate community, united in the fight against suicide.

Many thanks,
Dennis Baldwin
Reach Out;START To End Suicide Project Manager

P.S. Please feel free to share this opportunity with anyone who might be interested in volunteering. The more hands and hearts, the stronger our event will be.