Singer, song writer & performer, Rowetta is taking part in START, through its multi award winning ‘Reach Out; Start to End Suicide’ campaign, ‘World Suicide Prevention Day Vigil & Procession of Remembrance’, 6.30pm, Saturday, 10th September. They will remember the lives we have lost to suicide and supporting those left behind.
There is still a stigma attached to suicide, rooted in centuries of history which generates misplaced associations of weakness, blame, shame or even sin or crime. This stigma can prevent people from seeking help when they need it and others from offering support when they want to.
It can colour our perceptions, our thoughts and our actions – and we may not always be aware of it That is why it is so important that we challenge this stigma where ever it may be. Its about educating ourselves to understand what it is to grieve a loved ones’ death to suicide, how you can support them with the grief. This will enable you to then challenge the stigma when you come across it yourself, making it easier for people to reach out for the support they need and for you to be able to reach out when you notice the needs in others.
Rowetta said “It is so completely tragic when we lose one of our loved ones, and I have lost far too many to suicide. We need to be able to talk to each other freely about our feelings and emotions. I’m lucky that I have my singing, both song writing and performing, to be able to express and communicate through. So many of us don’t. I think that it is that we are scared of the judgement that we may receive. Its that stigma that stops us from reaching out for ourselves when we are need of the support.
Its so very sad that we as a society can’t support each other, put off talking about ourselves when we are struggling. Not allowing these conversations to take place in effect are condemning our friends, family and colleagues to struggle in silence. This is why I am performing at this Vigil, its to honour the lives we have lost, remembering them beyond the statistics. It’s also about supporting those that are grieving alone, isolated, suffering in silence their loved one who has taken their own life. They are so hidden in our communities. They are forgotten about. We need to throw our arms open to them and give them the support they need.
Supporting each other, smashing the stigma and loving each other especially those that are grieving a loved one lost to suicide. Please, just reach out to each other whether you are struggling yourself or notice someone you love going through a rough time”.
Dennis Baldwin, ‘Reach Out; Start to End Suicide’ said “We can all make changes that will save lives being lost to suicde. If each and everyone one of us on World Suicide Prevention Day make a public stance, like joining our vigil and procession of remembrance, it will send a loud clear message that we are here to support any of our friends, family and loved ones who are in need. We can start to change how people who are in need and having thoughts of killing themselves feel about asking for support. Making it more accepted and encouraged it will save lives being lost to suicide”.
But it can be hard challenging the stigma, like when someone tries to dictate when conversations about suicide are and are not appropriate, even likening the treatment of our Vigil & Procession of Remembrance to a ‘giant puppet monster’. These types of behaviours are not helping to make people affected by a loved ones death by suicide feel like they are valued and worth reaching out to. It needs to stop. Treat everyone, including those that have lost loved ones to suicide with dignity and respect, they are valued in our community and are definitely worth reaching out to. That is why it is so important to have our Vigil & Procession of Remembrance each year. It improves the visibility of our community sending the message to those that are suffering alone, in isolation that they are not alone in their grief and they can reach out for support from many of the services that available to them. They are worth it.”
Rowetta will be performing as part of STARTs ‘Vigil & Procession of Remembrance’ on ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’, 6.30pm Saturday, 10th September, which will see members of the public uniting at Starts Wellbeing Centre, before the Vigil of Remembrance commences 126 yellow flags, each representing a life lost to suicide in Salford over the last five years will be unfurled along the procession route to Salford Museum & Art Gallery. Once at the Museum & Art Gallery a vigil of speakers and performances will honour the lives of those lost to suicide and support those with the grief of those who survive within this community display of unity and support.
The Vigil & Procession of Remembrance will also feature poet Jardel Rodrequizs, singer Jace Campbell, Mike Palmer, 3 Dads Walking, Robert Jackson, Salford & Manchester Samaritans, Rebecca Long Bailey, MP for Salford & Eccles, Tom Stannard Salford City Council, Judd Skelton, Salford Integrated Care Partnership along with Paul Dennett, Mayor of Salford, who will also host post vigil refreshments in Salford Museum & Art Gallery.
There will also be a remembrance roll that will be read out at the Vigil and if anyone wants the name of a loved one to be included email dennisb@startinspiringminds.org.uk
World Suicide Prevention Day Vigil of Remembrance, Saturday, 10th September
6.30pm Gather START Wellbeing Centre for Procession of Remembrance, 62 Broad Streets, Salford, M6 5BZ, 7.00pm Vigil of Remembrance, Salford Museum & Art Gallery, The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WU
