Messages of Hope to mark World Suicide Prevention Day
From 10 to 17 September, we invited residents to write and share messages of hope, encouragement and support for others as part of our Messages of Home campaign, marking World Suicide Prevention Day. Boards were located at Ashley Centre, Bourne Hall Library, Epsom Library, Epsom Picturehouse and St John's Church in Stoneleigh.
Chief Executive of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Jackie King, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, and the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Lucie McIntyre, also added their own messages to the board at the Ashley Centre on 10 September.
We also supported Epsom Picturehouse who hosted a free Letters of Hope workshop in its café area on 10 September from 2pm to 4pm, led by local facilitator Kate McBarron. Participants were guided through letter-writing techniques and prompts to help them create messages of hope.
Part of the council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the initiative aims to help people feel connected, reduce the stigma around mental health, raise awareness of local support services and resources, and provide messages of hope to people who may be facing mental health challenges or affected by the loss of someone to suicide.
On 9 September, ahead of the opening of the 'Messages of Hope' display boards, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee said :
“Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and they can have a profound impact on individuals, families and friends.
"World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage conversations and remind people that small acts of kindness can make a real difference. Through Messages of Hope, we want to show that Epsom & Ewell is a community that cares, where people look out for one another and where nobody has to face difficult times alone."
“I would encourage anyone who is experiencing mental health difficulties, or who is concerned about someone they know, to reach out for help. One life lost is too much."
If you're facing mental health challenges, or have been affected by suicide, please remember: you are not alone. Help and support are available.