On Tuesday evening, 10th September, a profound moment of remembrance and unity unfolded as the Salford community gathered for the Reach Out; START to End Suicide Vigil & Procession of Remembrance in honour of World Suicide Prevention Day. The event, held at START’s Wellbeing Centre, brought together people from all walks of life to reflect, remember, and renew their commitment to supporting those affected by suicide.
As 144 vibrant yellow flags waved in the evening breeze, each one stood as a stark and poignant reminder of the lives lost to suicide in Salford over the past five years. The sight was both heart-wrenching and inspiring—a visual representation of a collective grief, but also a rallying cry for hope and action. These flags were carried by the loved ones bereaved by the loss of suicide, including Mike Palmer of the Three Dads Walking.
The procession was led by the ‘Drumming Up Co.’ Samba Drumming Up Group, setting a powerful rhythm for the evening, guiding the crowd through the streets with a beat that resonated in the hearts of all present. The sounds echoed the urgency of the message—time is precious, and the need for action is now.
Rebecca Long Bailey, MP for Salford & Eccles, delivered a heartfelt statement, read by Dennis Baldwin, the Reach Out; START to End SuicideProject Manager, reaffirming her commitment to working towards a future where no life is lost to suicide stating “Today is a day to cherish your memories filled with love, to celebrate them alongside missing them. But it’s also important to use today to continue the fight to make sure the support and funding is given to our mental health and support services and to give so many the courage to reach out for help when they need it. I know so much more needs to be done to fund mental health and support services”.
Jenni Smith, representing Loaves & Fishes, moved the crowd with her heartfelt speech, underscoring the challenges faced by those affected by homelessness and the importance of addressing both physical and emotional needs. In her words, “Results from our recent health needs audit stated that 78% of our homeless community members interviewed identified as having mental health issues compared to 12% of the general public and 34% stated they had suicidal thoughts or had self-harmed within the last 12 months. This shows that the homeless have significantly poorer health than the general population.
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came from Kasia Halani, who shared the tragic yet hopeful story behind the creation ofJak’s World. Kasia lost her child, Jak, to suicide, and has since turned her grief into action, establishing Jak’s World as a beacon of support for those who might otherwise suffer in silence. Her story was both heart-wrenching and inspiring, reminding everyone in attendance of the profound importance of empathy, understanding, and continued vigilance in the fight to prevent suicide.
The event was enriched by a wide range of powerful performances, including a moving recitals from local poet Andy Green and Rapper H2S, whose words pierced the silence with a raw honesty that brought tears to many. Speeches from the Vigils host Paul Dennett, Mayor of Salford, who emphasised the need for continued community support, and “These tragedies remind us that our society still has a long way to go in supporting its most vulnerable. But tonight is a reminder that we can all be part of that change. We can break the stigma and challenge the silence surrounding mental health,” said Mayor Dennett.
The Vigil culminated in a solemn Roll of Remembrance, where the names of those lost to suicide were read aloud by Judd Skelton, Chair GM Suicide Prevention Executive, Tom Stannard; CE Salford Council and Deputy Ceremonial Mayor, Councillor Heather Fletcher. Each name, each flag, each story shared was a heart-breaking reminder of lives cut short, but it also served as a beacon of collective hope—a reminder that no one is alone in their struggles.
As the night drew to a close, the message was clear: Salford is united in both grief and determination. The community will continue to fight for those who feel lost, for those struggling in silence, and for the memory of those who are no longer with us.
