Last Sunday START, the esteemed mental health charity in Salford, hosted a solemn Vigil & Procession of Remembrance in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day.
This heartfelt event, organised by the award-winning initiative ‘Reach Out; Start to End Suicide,’ received invaluable support from the Salford Integrated Care Partnership. Members of the Salford community gathered at the Starts Wellbeing Centre to unite and remember those lost to suicide, offering solace and empathy to those who remain.
One of the poignant highlights of the evening was Melanie Anderton, a mother who tragically lost her son Jake to suicide. At just 23 years old, Jake, a talented photographer, left behind a legacy that has inspired his mother to advocate for enhanced mental health services and support systems.
Melanie Anderton shared, “Growing up, Jake didn’t have any issues around his mental health; he was confident, popular, and enjoying student life and traveling with friends. Everything changed just 10 months before he died. Jake suddenly became reckless, impulsive, obsessive, spending money, and experiencing rapid mood swings—all completely out of character. He was desperate for help and could not have shouted any louder. Jake was denied a mental health assessment due to his substance misuse, and this is where things spiralled out of control.”
“Jake’s story is a reminder of the urgent need for enhanced mental health services and cohesive support structures,” continued Melanie Anderton. “We cannot change the past, but we can come together to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Symbolising the impact of suicide on the Salford community, 130 yellow flags were unfurled along the procession route leading to the Salford Museum & Art Gallery. Each flag represented a life lost to suicide in Salford over the past five years, creating a poignant visual tribute.
At the Museum & Art Gallery, a solemn vigil was held, featuring Melanie Anderton and other speakers and performers who respectfully honoured the lives lost to suicide. Participants included Singer/Songwriter Vinny Peculiar, Salford Ceremonial Mayor Gina Reynolds, Salford Council Chief Executive Tom Stannard, Living Experience advocate Melanie Anderton, Poet Jardel Rodrigues, Councillor Sharmina August and June Green from the Caribbean & African Health Network. The event was hosted by Salford CVS CEO Alison Page.
Ceremonial Mayor Gina Reynolds and Salford Council Chief Executive Tom Stannard read the Roll of Remembrance, listing the names of those lost to suicide. Vinny Peculiar closed the event with his song ‘Big Grey Hospital,’ a poignant tribute to his brother who took his own life in 2001.
Participants in the event expressed their emotions, with one saying, “Very moving and poignant. A profound event which raises awareness of suicide, reducing stigma and helping to push for change.” Another attendee commented, “This has been a fantastic evening on so many levels. It was very informative about suicide, its impact and prevention, and I found the personal stories and songs incredibly moving.”
START and its ‘Reach Out; Start to End Suicide’ initiative are committed to fostering awareness, support, and prevention of suicide in the Salford community. Their dedication to commemorating World Suicide Prevention Day and advocating for improved mental health services and support remains unwavering.
