A new peer-to-peer support group designed for individuals recovering from suicide attempts or struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideation is set to launch in Salford. “Surviving Suicide,” founded by Dennis, a multiple suicide attempt survivor, aims to provide a safe, supportive space for participants to express themselves and heal through the power of art.
Salford’s leading mental health charity, START, and integrated into their award-winning Reach Out; START to End Suicide programme, this group offers a unique blend of creativity and peer support.
Thanks to a grant from New Maker Yards, “Surviving Suicide” will be held weekly at START’s Brunswick House in Salford, beginning on Friday, 1st November, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Dennis, a suicide attempt survivor himself, founded “Surviving Suicide” after his own experiences with depression and multiple suicide attempts. “I couldn’t live in the moment—my mind was a battlefield,” Dennis reflects. “Through art, I started reconnecting with the world and finding beauty in things I’d lost touch with. Now, I want to help others discover the same hope and healing that I found.”
Each session will be led by a professional artist with their own lived experience of suicidality, creating an atmosphere of understanding and compassion. Participants will learn new art techniques, experiment with different mediums, and create works that reflect their personal journeys—completely free of charge. All materials are provided, and each week builds upon the last to foster both personal growth and artistic development.
A Lifeline for Those Struggling
“Surviving Suicide” provides not only artistic outlets but also the strength that comes from sharing experiences with others who truly understand. Dennis emphasises that art became his “survival tool,” and now, through the group, he’s offering that tool to others.
“Art is a powerful way to communicate feelings that are too hard to put into words. Sharing those struggles with people who’ve been there makes a huge difference,” says Dennis.
This new initiative is more than an art class—it’s a lifeline for those in need. By creating a welcoming, non-judgmental space, the group aims to help participants rediscover hope, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
Details and Registration
The Surviving Suicide support group begins on Friday, 1st November, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, and will be hosted weekly at START, Brunswick House, Salford. For more information or to register, please email Dennis at: dennisb@startinspiringminds.org.uk. The group is free, and all materials are provided.
