What is World Suicide Prevention Day? Every year organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide. The latest suicides statistics showed that in 2021, in the Rochdale area / Borough 29 people died by suicide and it is estimated that there will be 33 in 2022. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. And we know that suicide is preventable, it’s not inevitable. But not being okay is still widely stigmatised. And governments can still make better, more ambitious plans to prevent suicide. This year to raise awareness of this issue we are holding a candlelit walk from Riverside One through to centre of town ending at St Mary in the Baum where we will remember those who have died by suicide. The event is being supported by PAPYRUS, Andy’s Man Club, Rochdale Samaritans and Rochdale Mind. Each will share why they are involved in preventing suicide and what they offer to those in need of support. We are inviting anyone who would like to join us for this event to bring their own candle in a jar to Riverside One for 6.30pm on Saturday the 10th September when we will set off on the walk. They are also invited if they choose to bring a picture of someone they would like to remember and will be given the opportunity to add this to a memory book with a written memory as part of the vigil. The book will then be kept in St Mary in the Baum and be available to view in church. We hope that by raising awareness that people will know that is it ok not to be ok, and that they will reach out for the help that they need.
In British society talking about death and dying is a taboo. We often avoid saying the words death or dying instead we prefer to say that they have “Passed Away”, are “Late”, “Lost” or “Departed”. This often means that people are unprepared for when one of our nearest and dearest dies. The talks will be held in St Aidan’s Church Hall from 2-4pm and will begin with refreshments before a talk from and expert in their field, with the opportunity to ask questions at the end. Everyone is welcome to attend and each session stands on its own so there is no obligation to come to all 6. Saturday 3rd September – Let’s Talk About Dying led by a Doctor from Springhill Hospice Saturday 10th September – Registering And All That led by Aileen Bollard, Service Manager - Registration & Celebrant Services at Rochdale Registrars Saturday 17th September – Working With The Undertaker led by Abigail Palmer Dixons Funeral Service Saturday 24th September - Will, Legacies And All That led by Donna Myers Solicitor and Diocesan Registrar Saturday 1st October – Let’s Talk About Finances led by Judith Dunn Assistant Solicitor Molesworth’s Bright Clegg Saturday 8th October – Tackling Grief And Bereavement led by Sally Ann Clouston from Springhill Hospice The talks have been convened by The Revd Anne Gilbert, Manchester Diocese and Rochdale Deanery Funeral champion. If you would like more information you can contact her via email – revannegilbert@gmail.com or by phone 01706 346774
