Lighting candles across Cumbria on World Suicide Prevention Day 2022


Submitted by Ian Alcock Suicide Safer Community Co-ordinator Allerdale and Copeland 25th Aug 2022


Suicide Prevention charity Every Life Matters are encouraging people in Cumbria to join others across the world in

lighting a candle at 8pm on World Suicide Prevention Day 2022 - to remember those we have lost to suicide, for

those living with thoughts of suicide, and to show support for suicide prevention.

Events are being held at 8pm on Saturday the 10 th September in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Maryport, Penrith and

Whitehaven. Those who can’t make the events are encouraged to join others across the world and to light a candle

in their window at 8pm.

Chris Wood, co-founder and charity manager at Every Life Matters said, “The last two years have been pretty tough,

and we have continued to lose to many people to suicide in our County. Each one of these deaths is an individual

tragedy with the pain and devastation it causes rippling out far and wide across our local communities. We wanted

to provide an opportunity for people to come together in person, not just to remember those family members,

friends, colleagues, neighbours and community members we have lost to suicide – but also as an act of solidarity and

a statement to all those people struggling out there with thoughts of suicide that you are not alone.”

These are informal events and people can just turn up to light a candle in memory of a loved one lost to suicide, or

to show solidarity with those who are struggling right now with thoughts of suicide. There is no need to book, there

will be no speeches, ceremony or pressure to speak to others. Candles will be available if you can’t bring your own,

and pictures of a lost loved one and/or messages of support to go with the candles are also welcomed. People are

encouraged to turn up anytime from 7:00pm onwards, ready for a minute of silence and reflection at 8:00pm.

Members of Every Life Matters and other local groups will be on hand to talk about help available to those bereaved

or impacted by suicide, and about suicide prevention activity happening across the county.

“Last year’s event was very beautiful and touching. For me it’s been very important to feel part of a shared

community in the years after I lost my brother in the most tragic way. This was an event to remember those who we

miss so dearly in quiet solidarity. It also makes you realise just how many people have been effected - people that

share an understanding of this loss like nobody else ever could”. Lisa – Carlisle

As well as an opportunity to remember all those loved ones lost to suicide, World Suicide Prevention Day is an

annual reminder that there is an alternative to suicide, and it aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us. That

our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.

List of locations

Barrow-in-Furness | Outside Barrow Town Hall, opposite The Forum

Carlisle | In the Cathedral Grounds

Kendal | The Bird Cage, on the corner of Stricklandgate and Finkle Street

Maryport | Memorial Gardens

Penrith | Grounds of St Andrews Church

Whitehaven | Grounds of St Nicholas Church

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