Cumbrian charity Every Life Matters is organising a series of events on World Suicide Prevention Day, allowing people to remember those lost.
The global awareness day serves as a reminder that there are options other than suicide and encourages hope and understanding towards those struggling with suicide ideation.
The suicide prevention charity has lined a series of events as part of their annual remembrance and solidarity efforts for World Suicide Prevention Day.
One key tradition on this day is a worldwide candle lighting at 8pm to remember those who have taken their own lives.
The charity organises candle lighting ceremonies across the county every year, offering the community a chance to gather together.
This year's venues include outside of Barrow and Workington's Town Halls, The Bird Cage in Kendal, the Bandstand at Cornmarket, Penrith, and St Nicholas Church in Whitehaven.
Attendees are invited to attend in any way they feel comfortable, from bringing their own mementoes or pictures to choosing to watch the proceedings from a distance.
Suicide bereavement support manager at Every Life Matters, Paul Ward, said: "We want to invite everyone touched by suicide to join us, to light a candle in remembrance, and to gather strength from a community who deeply cares and understands the depth of this loss."
The events have no speeches or ceremonies and there is no pressure to interact with others.
In preparation for the 8pm candle lighting, attendees are welcomed from 7pm onwards to meet with others or speak with charity representatives.
Throughout the day, free one-hour online training sessions open to everyone in Cumbria is also being organised by the charity.
The sessions aim to educate individuals on suicide, language, stigma, and prevention.
Tickets for these events can be accessed via the charity's Eventbrite page.
The charity is also encouraging businesses to show their support for the day by using a pack of promotional material and graphics, symbolising their commitment to discussing suicide openly and breaking the surrounding stigma.
Every Life Matters also runs monthly support groups in various locations, including Kendal, Barrow, Carlisle, Penrith, and Maryport.
These groups offer a safe space for people bereaved by suicide to share experiences and to give and gain support.
These sessions are split into two halves – sharing of experiences in the first, and chats over refreshments in the second half.
These support groups can be attended with no pressure to speak or share.
For information on group timings and attendance, please visit the Every Life Matters website.
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