Prevention starts with awareness; awareness starts with you.
Chorley, Lancashire
Due to the overwhelming support of last year’s event and the continued, alarmingly high rates of suicide across the region, Lancashire Mind will run another Candlelight Walk to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. The Candlelight Walk will return to Chorley’s Astley Park on 10th September to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. This event is designed to bring the community together in solidarity, honouring those lost to suicide and supporting those impacted by it.
The walk will begin at 7:30pm in front of Astley Hall, with participants gathering at 7:00pm at the Astley Village Community Centre. Following the walk, attendees will return to the Community Centre for warm drinks and reflection.
Helen Parry, project lead for the Orange Button Scheme within Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said:
“The Orange Button scheme is designed to encourage people to talk about their thoughts and to signpost them to all the amazing services locally, so any event like this that also raises awareness is extremely important.
Lancashire has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country, so it will be great to have so many like-minded people coming together to show their commitment to preventing suicide and show their support for people who are affected.”
Why We Must Continue to Act
This event returns as the need to raise awareness, break down stigma, and help people to talk has never been greater.
Emma Bateson, Head of External Relations at Lancashire Mind, said:
“Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility. It is one of the most preventable yet largest causes of death for under-35s. That is just one of so many harrowing statistics that aren’t just statistics – they are people’s loved ones, colleagues and neighbours. We must do more to save lives.
This year we are also asking people to sign up to our suicide prevention training. It is fully funded, so there is no cost. It is open to anyone living or working in Lancashire and takes just three and a half hours to complete. There are courses running virtually and face-to-face every month and you can book on as an organisation or an individual. If you want to make a difference this year, please consider this training.”
Real Stories, Real Impact
The event will be attended by individuals who have been personally affected by suicide – those who have lost loved ones and those who have themselves faced thoughts of suicide. These stories will underscore the importance of community support, open dialogue, and proactive measures in suicide prevention.
Karen Arrowsmith, Workplace Wellbeing and Training Lead at Lancashire Mind, has helped deliver suicide prevention training to over 5,000 people. Karen said:
“Our training, through the Orange Button Scheme, is lifesaving. The skills people leave with allow them to support others in their darkest moments. By taking the training and wearing your Orange Button you are representing a collective commitment to preventing suicide and supporting those in crisis.”
You can find out more about our suicide prevention training here: https://lancashiremind.arlo.co/w/upcoming
A Call to Local Leaders
Local councillors and community leaders are strongly encouraged to attend, not just as observers but as active participants in the fight against suicide. The event will also serve to promote the Orange Button Scheme, a community-driven initiative that empowers individuals to offer immediate support to those in crisis.
David Dunwell, Lancashire Mind’s CEO, said:
“We want to stand alongside our local leaders as we demonstrate our commitment to driving forward change and saving lives in Lancashire. We know that as a collective we can send a message of hope to anyone affected by suicide.”
How to Participate
The event is open to all; participants will be provided with a battery candle and are encouraged to bring fairy lights or additional battery tea-lights to light the way.
For more information about the event or to arrange interviews with organisers, please contact:
Nicola Keenan, Marketing Operations Coordinator, External Relations Team
nicolakeenan@lancashiremind.org.uk | 01257 231 660
Event Details:
Date: 10th September 2025
Time: 7:00pm – Gather at Astley Village Community Centre
7:30pm – Walk begins in front of Astley Hall
Location: Astley Park, Chorley
Events Page: https://fb.me/e/ch19IZlAv
About Lancashire Mind
Lancashire Mind: Promoting Mental Wellbeing Across Lancashire
Lancashire Mind is an independent mental health charity dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Lancashire. Based in Chorley, the organisation supports individuals of all ages through a variety of services, including virtual and in-person wellbeing coaching, therapeutic services, housing support, and community engagement projects.
Lancashire Mind focuses on prevention, education and support, aiming to reduce mental health stigma and promote understanding. They work collaboratively with local communities and other organisations to advocate positive mental health for everyone. Their services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of Lancashire’s residents, ensuring that everyone can achieve the best mental health possible.
About the Orange Button Community Scheme
The Lancashire and South Cumbria Suicide Prevention Training Consortium is commissioned to provide a range of training, interventions and campaigns to help professionals and community members across Lancashire and South Cumbria grow in confidence and skill around talking about suicide and helping to prevent it. The training being provided aims to address the high suicide rates within our area and to tackle the harmful stigma surrounding suicide.
The Orange Button is worn by people in Lancashire and South Cumbria who have undergone specialised suicide prevention training (available fully funded through Lancashire Mind). While they are not able to counsel people, they can provide comprehensive signposting to relevant services.
The Orange Button Scheme equips community members, businesses and organisations with the tools to identify warning signs, provide support, and connect individuals to professional resources. By becoming Orange Button Holders, individuals visibly signify that they are approachable and ready to help, creating a network of support throughout our community.
For more member news, click here.
