As World Suicide Prevention Day nears, the Salford community is uniting for a heartfelt Vigil & Procession of Remembrance on Wednesday 10th September, beginning at 6:30pm at START, a local mental health charity, at M6 5BZ. The procession will culminate at the Salford Museum & Art Gallery, at M5 4WU at 7:30pm for a vigil dedicated to honouring those lost to suicide and raising vital awareness about mental health.
This poignant event will feature 177 flags, each symbolising a life tragically lost to suicide in Salford over the last five years. Carried by family and friends, the flags will travel down Broad Street, a moving tribute that reflects the collective journey of grief, remembrance, and community support. Following the vigil, attendees are invited to the Salford Museum Café for refreshments, generously supported by Salford City Council and the Greater Manchester NHS Integrated Care Board, a time to connect, share, and heal.
Adding a powerful dimension to the evening, acclaimed poets Alice Godliman and John Clifford, from Verbose Manchester, a monthly event for sharing spoken word of all varieties that has been part of the spoken word landscape of Manchester for almost a decade, along with gospel singer Zena Taylor, will perform, using their talents to create a safe space for remembrance and grief. Their words and music seek to break through the stigma surrounding suicide and inspire hope.
Alice shared, “Poetry is a really impactful way to give voice to and to express things that might otherwise be inexpressible, and spoken word can be so powerful in sharing these thoughts and feelings, and learning you are not alone. We’re so honoured to be able to be a part of creating a space for people to share in this vigil.”
John reflected, “The suicide of a loved one can be a deeply complex and isolating experience, one which is still poorly understood by much of wider society. The work that START is doing to create a public space for shared grief and care is so needed, and we're honoured beyond words to be able to support Salford's vigil for those our community has lost.”
Gospel singer Zena Taylor added, “Music holds a unique power to uplift and comfort. My hope is that through song, we create a sanctuary where healing begins, where sorrow transforms into support, and where every voice feels heard and valued. Together, we sing not just of loss, but of enduring hope and community.”
Community members wishing to include a loved one’s name in the Roll of Remembrance, read aloud during the vigil, can email dennisb@startinspiringminds.org.uk. The event is open to all and encourages a powerful show of solidarity and care.
About the Event
The World Suicide Prevention Day Vigil & Procession of Remembrance will take place on Wednesday 10th September, with the gathering starting at 6:30pm at the START Wellbeing Centre (M6 5BZ).
The Procession of Remembrance will commence at 7:00pm. 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.
Reach Out; START to End Suicide 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. Reach Out; START to End Suicide is delighted to acknowledge the continued and invaluable support of the GM NHS Integrated Care Board and Salford City Council, whose commitment has played a key role in making this event such a success.
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/.