Re-arranged Preston Wellfest taking place this weekend

The World Suicide Prevention Day event will take place on the Flag Market Pic: Tony Worrall

To raise awareness of suicide prevention, Preston Wellfest is hosting a special event on the Flag Market this weekend.

The free, drop-in event on Saturday (12 November) will include insights from people who’ve have been touched by suicide, plus stalls hosted by local community and support organisations.

The event taking place between 10am and 4pm will be focused on this year’s international theme of ‘Creating Hope through Action’, which is set annually by the International Association for Suicide Prevention.

Fourteen local organisations with an interest in suicide prevention will attend the event running stalls focused on creating hope, as well as providing advice, information, and more intensive support to anyone that may require it.

The Wellfest had been due to take place around World Suicide Prevention Day in September but was postponed due to the Flag Market being used for the King’s Proclamation following the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Amongst those attending will be The Samaritans, Strive 2 Thrive, Red Rose Recovery, LemonDance and We Are With You.

In addition, the Mary O’Gara Foundation, in conjunction with Preston Wellfest, have organised an exhibition at Preston Bus Station.

Those attending the event will be encouraged to contribute with their own messages of hope or memories of loved ones who have died by suicide.

At the event itself, many of the stallholders will be hosing activities, such as planting forget-me-nots with Let’s Grow Preston, and there will be opportunities to hear from people who have worked with the organisations in attendance, through a series of short live interviews.

Councillor Nweeda Khan, Cabinet member for communities and social justice at Preston City Council, said: “With more than 6,000 lives lost to suicide each year in the UK, it’s time to open up and talk about how we’re feeling and start that conversation.

“It’s important for people to know it’s okay not to be okay and that there is help out there and someone who can listen.

“Finding support before reaching that crisis point could play a vital part in saving the life of someone you care about. Suicide is preventable; it’s not inevitable.”

See what’s happening near you by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea

Will you be going to the event? Let us know in the comments below.