NHS organisations in Lancashire and South Cumbria to launch ‘Month of Hope’

A four-week campaign aimed at reducing stigma around suicide and mental health is set to launch in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The ‘Month of Hope’, hosted alongside World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, will feature events that bring people together, promote local support and encourage open conversations.

It is a chance to remember those who have died by suicide, but each event will also promote positivity in its messages, and encourage open conservation.

Helen Parry, suicide prevention lead for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “The Month of Hope campaign is encouraging members of the public, employers, community organisations and public services to take action by signing a local pledge, reviewing workplace wellbeing support, promoting support services, encouraging participation in Orange Button training, creating opportunities for conversations about hope and wellbeing, and showing a visible commitment to reducing stigma around suicide and mental health.

“Every suicide has a devastating impact on families, friends, colleagues and communities. Month of Hope is an opportunity for all of us to come together to show that support is available and recovery is possible.”

Suicide rates across Lancashire and South Cumbria remain among the highest in England, with the area reported as having the third highest suicide rate nationally. Research shows around 135 people are affected by every suicide death, including family members, friends, colleagues, employers, neighbours and wider communities.

The campaign’s key messages are to talk openly about suicide and mental health, check in with friends, family and colleagues, learn about support available locally, and promote hope, connection and recovery.

The British Standards Institution published ‘Suicide and the workplace – Intervention, prevention and support for people affected by suicide’ as the UK’s national standard, which was developed with groups like the Samaritans. NHS organisations and partners will be encouraging employers to access this voluntary, free-to-access framework to manage suicide risk, train staff, and handle crisis response.

Mrs Parry added: “By adopting the principles of the BSI Suicide Prevention in the Workplace Standard, employers can play a vital role in creating compassionate workplaces where people feel able to seek help early and where hope is always visible.

“Together, through small actions and meaningful conversations, communities across Lancashire and South Cumbria can help save lives and create places where people feel able to seek support when they need it.”

Further events are yet to be finalised, but confirmed events so far include:

• Saturday 5 September (12pm-4pm) - Stanley Park Bandstand, Blackpool: Solace at Empowerment Charity hosts a free family-friendly event featuring live music, spoken word, special guests and community entertainment.
• Thursday 10 (10am) - Darwen to Blackburn Awareness Walk: Promoting suicide prevention and support. Register here. The walk concludes with:
• Thursday 10 (12.30pm) - Blackburn Town Hall: World Suicide Prevention Day vigil, includes invited speakers, a 40-second silence, messages of hope and information on support services.
• Thursday 10 (meet at 7pm) - Tatton Community Centre, Chorley: Candlelight Walk organised by Lancashire Mind. Refreshments and battery tealights provided.
• Thursday 10 (meet at 7.30pm, silence at 8pm) – various locations in Cumbria, including St James’ Church, Barrow and The Bird Cage, Kendal: Observed silence, supported by Every Life Matters.
• Saturday 26 (5pm) – Accrington’s surrounding hills: Light Up the Hills, seven-mile guided charity walk with a torch-lit moment of reflection, hosted by Positive Action in the Community. Tickets need to be booked in advance on the PAC website.
• Wednesday 30 (all day, from 8.30am) - Village Hotel, Blackpool: Let's Talk About Suicide: The Ripple Effect conference, featuring keynote speakers, lived experience presentations, workshops and networking opportunities.

Also look out for local landmarks, including Blackpool Tower and Lytham Windmill, being lit up on September 10 to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

To find out more about Orange Button training, visit LSC Integrated Care Board :: Orange Button scheme