Supporting communities affected by suicide

For many, the county of Cornwall conjures images of an idyllic life. Perhaps this image makes it even more shocking to learn that Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, with, on average, more than one person a week taking their own life in the region – each one of those having a devastating impact on those left behind. Truro Cathedral, in collaboration with Cornwall Council Public Health, Cornwall’s Samaritans, the South West Zero Suicide Collaborative, Outlook South West’s Suicide Liaison Service, and Cruse Bereavement Care, will, on 8 September at 14:00, hold a special service of reflection for people affected by suicide. Chris Watts, Suicide Prevention Coordinator for Cornwall Council, said, “The impact of suicide on our communities cannot be underestimated - we are all part of this community and we all have a part to play. Many of the partners involved in this special service are part of our wider work on suicide prevention, all the way from a wellbeing perspective through to crisis care. A key focus of our work is how we support communities, and this collaborative service is one particularly healing way we’ve found to strengthen our bond as a community.”

To find out more about the service, visit our What's On page.