A mental health charity based in Chorley is hosting its first-ever candlelight walk to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

Lancashire Mind, which has an office in Chorley, has organised the event in response to the ‘alarmingly high’ suicide rates across the county.

It is scheduled for Tuesday 10 September and will see people walk through Chorley’s Astley Park during the evening.

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The event is described as ‘much more than a walk,’ designed to bring the community together to honour those lost to suicide and support those impacted by it.

Lauren McAteer, marketing and communications manager at Lancashire Mind said: “We need to address this issue head-on and take action.

“This walk is a chance for our community to come together, to remember, to support, and most importantly, to act. Showing that together, we can turn the tide on suicide and build a future where every life is valued and supported.”

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On the day the charity will also be raising awareness about mental health and advocating for urgent action to prevent further tragedies.

They are calling on local councillors and community leaders to attend, encouraging them to participate in conversations around improving mental health services and promoting the Orange Button Scheme – a vital initiative aimed at empowering community members to support those in crisis.

Lancashire Mind’s CEO, David Dunhill says their presence would send a powerful message of ‘hope and action’.

The Orange Button Scheme has already trained over 4,000 people in the region in suicide prevention – providing those with the skills to listen, support and signpost people in a crisis’.

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Karen Arrowsmith, workplace wellbeing and training lead at Lancashire Mind said: “The Orange Button is more than just a symbol—it’s a lifeline. It represents our collective commitment to preventing suicide and supporting those in crisis.

“By becoming an Orange Button holder, you stand as a beacon of hope, ready to make a difference in someone’s darkest moment.”

The event is open to all, participants will be provided with a candle and are encouraged to bring fairy lights or additional battery tealights to light the way.

The walk will begin in front of Astley Hall at 7:30pm, with people being asked to gather at the Astley Village Community Centre at 7pm.

To find out more, you can visit their Facebook group.

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