To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Brighton charity Grassroots hosted an online panel discussion on September 9th on the theme of ‘Creating hope through action’. Over a hundred people logged in to join the discussion with panellists Bryony Gordon (author and columnist), Jake Tyler (author and campaigner) and Rachael Swann (Grassroots CEO).
Bryony Gordon spoke about her charity, Mental Health Mates, and her experiences with addiction and mental health, while Jake Tyler talked about his memoir, A Walk From The Wild Edge. This book tells the inspiring story of how Jake escaped depression and suicidal thoughts by undertaking a 3,000-mile walk around the country. These discussions have been recorded and can be viewed here.
Rachael Swann spoke about inspiring experiences during her time at Grassroots, and how the charity plans to work more closely with communities to co-produce suicide prevention work over the next three years.
The online event also included an interactive word cloud which allowed audience members to name the things that give them hope. Together they created a shared 'Cloud of Hope'.
World Suicide Prevention Day is an annual event which aims to raise awareness of suicide and promotes action that helps save lives. Grassroots is a UK leader in suicide prevention. The charity offers wellbeing and mental health training for businesses in West Sussex. See here for more details: https://www.prevent-suicide.org.uk/west-sussex-funded-training/
