This year in Blackburn with Darwen we are:
On Thursday 10 September 2026, Blackburn with Darwen will be marking World Suicide Prevention Day by bringing together local people, peer support groups, community organisations and partners to raise awareness, reduce stigma and share messages of hope.
What’s Happening?
🚶 Darwen to Blackburn Walk of Hope
Join us for a walk from Darwen to Blackburn to raise awareness that suicide can affect anyone and that suicide prevention is everybody’s business.
We will meet in Darwen Market Square at 10:00am, where we will hear from two guest speakers before setting off:
–Anthony Shaw, local Councillor and the new Leader of Darwen Town Council
–Si Donnelly, Founder of Talk Ourselves Well
Along the route, we will stop at Ewood Park for refreshments and a comfort break, kindly provided by Blackburn Rovers Community Trust.
To make the event as accessible as possible, anyone with mobility difficulties is welcome to join the walk outside Blackburn Cathedral. We will regroup there before completing the final section of the walk to Blackburn Town Hall together. If you wish to do this, please let us know on the registration form.
Together, we can help start conversations, challenge stigma and promote the message that support is available and that suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
Register for the walk:
Register for the Darwen to Blackburn Walk for World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 – Fill in form
🕯️ World Suicide Prevention Day Vigil
The walk will conclude with a 45-minute Vigil outside Blackburn Town Hall, beginning at 12.30pm.
The Vigil will include:
- Guest speakers- Denise Park, Phil Riley, the Mayor, Margaret Jepson (Samaritans) and Shigufta Khan (Wish Centre)
- A 40 second silence to remember those lost to suicide, as we sadly lose someone to suicide every 40 seconds
- Information about local support services
- Messages of hope and recovery
Marketplace of Hope
Following the walk, join us at Blackburn Town Hall for our Suicide Prevention Marketplace, which will be open from 11:30am to 2:00pm.
Featuring more than 20 local organisations, community groups and support services, the marketplace will provide information, advice and resources on mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention.
Whether you are looking for support for yourself, a friend or a family member, or simply want to learn more about the help available in Blackburn with Darwen, this is an opportunity to connect with local services, discover community initiatives and find out how we can all play a role in supporting one another.
🧡 Promoting Support and Suicide Prevention
Throughout the day we will be highlighting:
- Local mental health and suicide prevention support services Mental Health Support in Blackburn with Darwen – Be Well BWD
- The Orange Button Scheme LSC Integrated Care Board :: Orange Button scheme
- The Hub of Hope Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of hope
Ways to Get Involved
Join the Walk
Walk with us from Darwen to Blackburn and help raise awareness of suicide prevention.
Attend the Vigil
Join us at: 12.30pm, Thursday 10 September 2026 outside Blackburn Town Hall
Visit the Marketplace Stalls
Whether you’re looking for support, information, volunteering opportunities or simply want to find out more about services in your community, there’s something for everyone. The marketplace will be open from 11:30am until 2:00pm at Blackburn Town Hall.
Become an Orange Button Holder
Consider completing mental health and/or suicide prevention training and becoming an Orange Button holder, helping people access support and start conversations about mental health.
Find out more: Mental Health Training for Adults – Be Well BWD
Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma and remind people that support is available and hope is possible. 💛