People affected by suicide are invited to an event in Durham City this weekend.
Working with partners, Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council, through their joint County Durham and Darlington Coroners Service, have organised a service of reflection which is open to anyone who has been affected by suicide in some way.
The service takes place at Durham Cathedral on Sunday 7th September from 6pm to 7pm, with this date chosen as it is close to World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September.
Preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it are priorities for both councils and their Health and Wellbeing Boards. These boards see the councils work with the NHS and Healthwatch groups, which represent health and social care service users, to improve the health and wellbeing of people locally.
A number of organisations that provide mental health support have also helped organise the service and representatives will be at the event to offer assistance to anyone who needs it.
Cllr Darren Grimes, Durham County Council’s Deputy Leader, whose portfolio includes the Coroners Service, said: “Many people struggle with their mental health, and it is really important that everyone knows there is support out there for them if they are struggling, Sadly though, some people do die by suicide and our Coroners Service naturally comes into contact with bereaved friends and family as a result.
“Members of the team fully appreciate how hard it is for those bereaved by suicide and wanted to help. They came up with the idea of a service and felt it would be appropriate to arrange it around World Suicide Prevention Day.
“We’d like anyone who has been affected by suicide in any way to feel welcome at this event. We hope it will give people the chance to reflect in a quiet environment and remember loved ones. Support will be available to anyone who needs it at any point during the service. We hope everyone who attends will find it helpful in some way.”
The service will be presided over by The Vice Dean of Durham Cathedral, The Reverend Canon Michael Hampel.
Organisations that have helped organise the event, and will be present to provide support to people, are: Samaritans, PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, If U Care Share, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, The Compassionate Friends and The Coroners’ Courts Support Service. The service is also supported by Durham University.
World Suicide Prevention Day is marked annually on 10th September. Find out more at www.iasp.info/wspd