Somerset Council’s ‘Walk for a Life’ event, aimed at raising awareness of suicide prevention, returns for a third year on Saturday 7 September.
The walk starts at 10:30am at the Quaker Meeting House in Taunton and will pass through Taunton Town Centre, stopping in Vivary Park at the “Afterlife” bench to lay flowers to commemorate loved ones who have died by suicide.
Organised by Somerset Council’s Public Health team in partnership with various statutory and voluntary sector organisations, last year’s event saw over 100 participants attend.
The event is run in support of World Suicide Prevention Day which occurs annually on 10 September this year’s theme, ‘Change the Narrative’, encourages open discussions about mental health and suicide to break the stigma and foster understanding and support.
Cllr Bill Revans, Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities, and Diversity at Somerset Council, said:
I want to invite everyone to come and join the Walk for a Life event on Saturday 7 September, and be part of a united effort to raise awareness, show support and create hope for a brighter future for all in Somerset.
We want to encourage individuals, communities, and organisations to engage in open, honest discussions about mental health and suicide. By starting conversations, we can break down barriers and raise awareness, check in with a friend or loved one, share personal stories and advocate for mental health resources and support services.
Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a more supportive and understanding society.
Participants can download a free back sign from the Walk for a Life website, to personalise in remembrance of a loved one or collect one on the day.
Post-walk, attendees are welcome to return to the Quaker Meeting House for refreshments and information on local support services. The Council will also promote the ‘Orange Button’ scheme, where trained individuals provide guidance to those in need.
Professor Trudi Grant, Executive Director of Public and Population Health, joint appointment between Somerset Council and NHS Somerset, said:
In 2022, there were 5,642 suicides registered in England and Wales, just over 15 people per day. In Somerset, there were 45 suicides registered in 2022, every death is a tragedy that has a devastating impact on friends, family, colleagues and entire communities.
The circumstances leading to someone taking their own life are often complex and it is rare that one single cause can be identified. However, suicide is not inevitable and can often be prevented.
Suicide prevention is something that we all need to be a part of, from local and national organisations to communities and individuals, together we can make a difference.
The Suicide Prevention Partnership is consulting on a new draft strategy aimed at reducing suicide deaths in Somerset, with a focus on prevention activities, support for self-harm, and bereavement support. The partnership is a multi-agency forum with representation from the local Integrated Care Board (NHS Somerset), Somerset Foundation Trust, Public Health and voluntary sector partners.
The Public Health team are consulting on the draft Somerset strategy with local organisations and members of the public ahead of publishing the strategy in September 2024.
Please use the following link. The consultation is open until 9 September Suicide Prevention Strategy Consultation – Somerset Council – Citizen Space
Support for those dealing with mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts is readily available through Open Mental Health in Somerset. To explore various support options, visit Somerset’s Mental Health Alliance – Open Mental Health
