The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday 10th September is “Changing the Narrative”. 1 in 5 of us will have thoughts about suicide in our lifetime and 15 people sadly pass away by suicide every day in the UK. Each death has a huge impact on our communities and yet many of us struggle to talk about it.

Yorkshire-based mental health charity Touchstone wants to help change the narrative on suicide. This World Suicide Prevention Day, Touchstone are holding community walks and talks across Leeds, Kirklees and Wakefield to raise awareness of suicide, encourage conversation, and show people that they are not alone.

Walking and Talking Together to Change the Narrative

These walks will be led by staff and volunteers from across Touchstone services, including Live Well Leeds, Being You Leeds, Men’s Health Unlocked, Better Together, and Here For You. We welcome all those who are interested to join us. The walks are open to everyone, including those who: experience thoughts of suicide; have been affected by suicide; support others in need; wish to improve your own understanding; or simply want to show your support.

We appreciate everyone has different abilities so join us to ‘walk a while…maybe up to a mile’ or simply come along to your local park to show your support. 

We will be walking in the following areas in Leeds, Kirklees, and Wakefield:

  • 10am – Potternewton Park, Leeds, LS7 4HA
  • 11am – Cross Flatts Park, Leeds, LS11 7BQ
  • 12noon – Ebor Gardens, Leeds, LS9 7PY
  • 1pm – Leeds Centre, Outside Merrion Centre Morrisons (Men Only)
  • 2pm – Thornes Park, Wakefield, WF2 8TY
  • 3.30pm – Batley Memorial Park, WF17 5BN

On each walk, we will stop at waypoints to discuss suicide and suicide prevention to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide. While this is a great opportunity for us all to come together, we know this can be a very difficult day for some and we will provide resources and support throughout.

Light a Little Hope

For those who can’t join us in the day, we will also be lighting candles

and shining lights at 8pm on the evening of September 10th to remember those we have lost and provide hope to anyone who may be thinking about suicide. You can join us remotely from your home and/or share pictures on social media in solidarity.

We are Here to Support You

We also support people experiencing suicide or self-harm through our Here For You service. Here for You is open every night of the year across Leeds, Kirklees, and Wakefield from 6pm, to provide out-of-hours support in a safe space. If you are struggling to cope, please call your local service on the night you would like support:

  • Kirklees area: 07741900395
  • Wakefield and 5 Towns: 07776962815
  • Leeds: 07760173476

For more information please email: hereforyou@touchstonesupport.org.uk and follow @HereForYouTS across social media.