Speak Their Name – remembering those lost to suicide

Events have been taking place in Bury to remember those lost to suicide and raise awareness of the help and support available to individuals and families.

Greater Manchester is marking its fifth Month of Hope (10 September to 10 October), which is part of the NHS Shining a Light on Suicide campaign to bring the issue of suicide out of the dark and break the stigma that surrounds it.

The Speak their Name Quilt

The “Speak Their Name Quilt” is on display at Bury Art Gallery until 10 October.

The quilt tells the stories of 54 people from across Greater Manchester who have been affected by suicide and have created each of the squares.

This was commissioned by Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership and developed by Rebecca Jackson.

Rebecca is the founder of Bury’s ‘The Big Fandango’ charity, an arts and crafts centre to support mental wellbeing which Rebecca founded after her daughter took her own life.

Faced with little in the way of support, Rebecca had the idea of using crafting as a way of providing support for families bereaved in suicide. In July 2021 Rebecca opened the @big_fandango as a place people could learn traditional crafting skills to support their mental wellbeing, and the in the past two years she has campaigned to create a safer suicide community in Bury.

More than 400 people from across the borough have been trained how to spot the signs and understand what some of the triggers can be and how to direct people to appropriate support.

“This has been quite a massive journey,” said Rebecca at the launch. “I said I can’t work and I want to do something that is going to make a difference and I really don’t know what that is. But what I know is sewing and knitting saved my life and I would like to transfer those skills to people in a similar position as me.

“Please educate yourself around suicide because it is complicated. Suicide prevention is all our collective responsibility. Learn to spot the signs, learn how to be confident in how to be able to open up that conversation, and know where to signpost people for help because suicide is the biggest killer of our young people but it’s also one of the most preventable forms of death.”

The quilt is on display accompanied by a book that tells all the stories attached to the quilt, and there is a plaque which explains the history and the purpose of the quilt.

There will also be a display of resources for mental health and wellbeing support in the library which will raise awareness of online support.

The Bury Suicide Vigil

A vigil and march was held on Sunday, heading from Kay Gardens to the Castle Leisure Centre Gardens where flowers were laid at the Suicide Memorial Stone. Some 50 flags were carried representing each life lost to suicide in Bury over the last three years.

The vigil was held by the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Sandra Walmsley; Rebecca from the Big Fandango; David Catterall, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester; and Lee Buggie from Bury Public Health.

Cllr Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for adult care, health and wellbeing, said: “World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to remind ourselves that looking after our own mental health is very important. Life can be stressful and everyone has their own battles to face.

“Feeling suicidal is more common than you may realise, which is why having open conversations is a great way to take the first step to recovery and reduce the stigma around suicide and mental health.

“If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health and suicidal thoughts, there is support available across Bury so please do not hesitate to reach out and ask for help when you need it.”

Support for people feeling suicidal:

• Anyone can experience suicidal thoughts and it can feel hard to know how to talk to someone.
  Whether you’re feeling suicidal, worried someone else is, or have lost someone to suicide, you’re not alone. Whatever you’re going through, get the support you need. Visit www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk or call Samaritans on 116 123.

Support in a mental health crisis:

• Local NHS services offer free helplines to help people living in the areas we serve. If you are worried or anxious about your mental health or feeling as though you are in a mental health crisis and need urgent support and help, please don’t hesitate to call. The helplines are also there for you if you are concerned about a loved one, neighbour, friend or family member. It is open all day and night, 365 days per year and it is free of charge.
• If you live in Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford or Wigan, call 0800 953 0285 (Greater Manchester Mental Health)
• If you live in Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside or Stockport, call 0800 014 9995 (Pennine Care)

For support in your local area, please visit www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/help-in-your-area