Service to mark World Suicide Prevention day

A service to remember people who have died by suicide will be held.

The event at Shrewsbury Abbey at 14:30 BST was "open to all faiths and none", said the Shropshire Mental Health Support charity, which will host the half hour service.

The theme for the day this year was changing the narrative on suicide and "about moving from a culture of silence towards one of understanding and support," it added.

Bereavement officer Karen Griffiths said the day would highlight services available for people who were struggling and that staff could talk to people and have a cup of tea with them afterwards.

"There's no pressure on anyone at all to support, but it's important to take that time to remember those who have left," she said.

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The charity said last year it prevented about 700 suicides via its services, including a 24-hour phone line and overnight support via the Shropshire Sanctuary.

It would also support friends and colleagues as well as families impacted by suicide.

Its commissioned services manager, Maree Cottrell, said she thought the challenge with mental health was if people were "struggling, everything can feel a challenge".

"So, as best as we can, we make it simple, as in encouraging people to ring if they can or getting somebody that can do it with them," she added.

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