As World Suicide Prevention Day approaches, the Salford community is coming together for a moving Vigil & Procession of Remembrance to honour those lost to suicide and to raise awareness about mental health. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 10, starting at 6:30 PM from postcode M6 5BZ, with a procession leading to the Salford Museum & Art Gallery (M5 4WU) for a vigil at 7:30 PM.
This solemn procession will feature 177 flags, each representing a life tragically lost to suicide in Salford over the past five years. Family members and friends will carry many of these flags, walking in a show of love and remembrance that highlights the deep impact of suicide on the community. The procession will travel down Broad Street, symbolizing a shared journey of memory and support.
Following the vigil, attendees are invited to gather at the Salford Museum Café for refreshments, generously provided by Salford City Council and the Greater Manchester NHS Integrated Care Board. This time offers a chance for community members to connect, find comfort, and heal together.
Dennis Baldwin, Reach Out; START to End Suicide, shared, “This evening is about more than remembrance—it’s about hope, compassion, and standing together to support those who are struggling. Everyone is welcome to join us, whether you’ve experienced loss or simply want to show your support for mental health awareness.”
Those wishing to have a loved one’s name included in the Roll of Remembrance, to be read aloud during the vigil, can email dennisb@startinspiringminds.org.uk.
The event is open to all and encourages community members to come together in a powerful show of solidarity and care.
About the event
The World Suicide Prevention Day Vigil & Procession of Remembrance will take place on Wednesday, September 10th, with the gathering starting at 6.30pm at the START Wellbeing Centre (M6 5BZ).
The Procession of Remembrance will commence at 7pm. Once at the Salford Museum & Art Gallery (M5 4WU), a solemn vigil will be held, featuring speakers and performances that respectfully honour the lives lost to suicide. These include Alison Page, Chief Executive Salford CVS; Drumming Up Co. Samba Drumming Group; Judd Skelton, Chair GM Suicide Prevention Executive; Mishal Saeed, Executive Support Member for Social Care and Mental Health; Paul Dennett, Mayor of Salford; Sing Their Name, Choir; Verbose, Poetry; Zena Taylor, Singer.
START encourages everyone to participate and stand together in remembrance and support. By joining forces, we can raise awareness, promote mental well-being, and strive towards preventing further tragedies. To keep up to date and join ‘Reach Out; START to End Suicide’ visit: www.startinspiringminds.org.uk/reachout and follow us on social media @reachoutstes
Community members wishing to have a loved one’s name included in the Roll of Remembrance can email dennisb@startinspiringminds.org.uk. The event is open to all and encourages a strong show of solidarity and support.
START has been supporting mental health recovery in Salford since 1993 through creative arts and horticulture. The organisation urges everyone to join in raising awareness, promoting mental well-being, and preventing suicide.
For more information and updates, visit www.startinspiringminds.org.uk/reachout and follow @reachoutstes on social media. Those struggling with suicidal thoughts or supporting someone who is can find help at http://www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/.