World Suicide Prevention Day was on the 10th September. This year, we wanted to celebrate the lives of those we have lost to suicide, celebrate everyone who is still with us and celebrate the launch of the Baton of Hope Anthem.
The Georgia Bird Foundation, Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s Mental Health Liaison Service, Survivors of Bereavement By Suicide, Mentell, The Tomorrow Project, I Am Giant and Kakou are a group of organisations with a huge passion for suicide prevention. We joined forces to offer a safe and inclusive space for those who are bereaved by suicide to come together and hold a special memorial service to remember and celebrate the loved ones we have lost. A chance for bereaved families and friends to come together and support each other, a reminder that you are never alone.
The service was held at Holy Trinity Church lead by the amazing Reverend Jilly Hancock and was a non religious ceremony. We welcomed everyone from all walks of life to join us and remember. There was the opportunity to light a candle in the memory of loved ones and the chance to connect with others going through a similar journey.
After the service, free refreshments and a hot meal was made and served by the amazing team at Chesterfield Community Roast.
After the meal, we reconvened in the main church, where The Georgia Bird Foundation Choir performed a few songs and then invited their friends who they had collaborated with on the single to perform the Baton of Hope Anthem, celebrating the official launch of the track which will is available to stream on all major music platforms from the 10th September. The anthem is an original song created specifically for the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative, The Baton of Hope. There was opportunity for everyone in the room to learn the song; singing it together as a reminder that we are not alone and there is always hope.
We were honoured to also have The Baton of Hope on display for all to see and embrace its meaning and symbolic power.
Throughout the whole event, dedicated Mental Health First Aiders were on hand to talk and offer support, as well as a number of resources for attendees to take.