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An awareness event is taking place at Preston Bus Station as part of World Suicide Prevention Day.
Hosted by Preston Wellfest, the free, drop-in event will take place between 10am and 2pm tomorrow (Saturday 7 September).
There will be insights from people who have have been touched by suicide and interactive activities to take part in.
A number of organisations with an interest in suicide prevention and supporting those bereaved by suicide will be there including The Samaritans, Red Rose Recovery, The Mary O’Gara Foundation, Beacon Counselling Trust and Beside You in Bereavement.
The organisations will be running stalls and providing advice, information, and more intensive support to anyone that may require it.
The event will focus on this year’s international theme of ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’. The aim is to #StartTheConversation and signal to those experiencing suicidal thoughts that there is hope, and that people care and want to support them.
Read more: Lancashire Mind’s first candlelight walk to mark World Suicide Prevention Day
Councillor Nweeda Khan, Cabinet member for community safety and social justice at Preston City Council, said: “With more than 6,000 lives lost to suicide each year in the UK, it’s time to open up and talk about how we’re feeling and start that conversation. And remember, each suicide also profoundly impacts many more people.
“It’s important for people to know it’s okay not to be okay and that there is help out there and always someone who can listen. Finding support before reaching that crisis point could play a vital part in saving the life of someone you care about.
“Suicide is preventable; it’s not inevitable.”
The Preston Wellfest Network was initially formed in 2019 and is currently made up of more than 30 organisations that have a specific interest in health and wellbeing in the Preston area.
A spokesperson for Preston Wellfest said: “Connecting with others and forming good relationships – with family, friends and the wider community – are important for mental wellbeing.
“Building stronger, broader social connections in your life can increase your feelings of happiness and self-worth. If we break the chain and talk about how we feel, there are people out there who can help.”
Find out more by following Preston Wellfest on Facebook.
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