Hundreds of residents from across Somerset came together to participate in the third annual Walk for a Life in Taunton to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
The event, held on September 10, was organised to honour those lost to suicide and to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
Participants, which included a diverse group including families, friends, and even pets, walked in solidarity.
It started at 10.30am with a moving welcome speech by Christine from Yeovil and Sherborne Samaritans.
The walkers then set off from the Quaker Meeting House on Bath Place, following a route around Taunton.
They paused at the afterlife bench in Vivary Park to lay flowers, donated by ASDA, in memory of those lost to suicide.
The walk ended back at the Quaker Meeting House, where attendees were offered refreshments, courtesy of Tesco, and had the chance to engage with local support services.
Representatives from 14 organisations were present to provide advice and support.
A key feature of the day was the introduction of Somerset’s first Support Bench in Vivary Park.
This initiative, developed in partnership with people with lived experience of mental illness, aims to place mental health support benches in key locations across Somerset and Devon.
These green benches, marked with "come sit with us," have SHOUT and Samaritans numbers and a QR code linking to various support resources.
Councillor Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, attended the walk and expressed his gratitude for the community’s involvement.
He said: "Today’s turnout was a powerful reminder of how closely our community is connected by the issue of suicide.
"There isn’t anyone in Somerset who hasn’t been impacted in some way, and it’s heartening to see so many people come together to show support, raise awareness, and take action.
"It’s through events like these that we can continue to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and offer hope to those who are struggling."
Andy Pritchard, chief operating officer at Mind in Somerset and Connect Somerset Champion, added: "The impact of suicide is devastating and far-reaching, but today’s walk is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community.
"By coming together, we not only remember those we’ve lost, but we also create a supportive network for those who need it most.
"The addition of the Support Bench’s across Somerset is another crucial step in making support accessible to everyone.
"We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who participated today and to those who continue to support our ongoing efforts to provide mental health services and resources across Somerset."
The Walk for a Life event, which started in 2022, has become an important part of Somerset’s efforts to combat suicide and promote mental health awareness.
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