Cumbrian suicide prevention and bereavement support charity Every Life Matters hosted its second Suicide Prevention Conference in Penrith at the Rheged Centre recently.
With the key message “Take Action. Prevent Suicide,” the sold-out event brought together 200 delegates for a powerful day of learning, reflection, and action. Through a variety of sessions, workshops, and panel discussions, attendees were encouraged to start conversations, break down the stigma surrounding suicide, and, most importantly, take action within their workplaces, personal lives, and communities.
The conference was opened by Andy Airey, one of the 3 Dads Walking, who shared the story of his daughter Sophie, who died by suicide in 2018. He spoke movingly about his determination to bring something positive out of the devastation, and how his campaigning alongside the other dads helped lead to suicide prevention being included in the national curriculum.
He was followed by Every Life Matters co-founders Juliet Gray and Chris Wood, who presented a “Top Ten” of practical actions. They reminded delegates that everyone has a role to play in reducing suicide through training, getting involved, supporting wider campaigning efforts, and fundraising. Their message focused on creating a society where suicide is openly talked about, where people feel able to seek help, and are properly supported when they do.
Paul Shearsby and Lisa Birdsall followed, sharing deeply personal lived experiences and the reasons they became involved in the Baton of Hope movement in 2025. Their stories reinforced the urgent need for continued action and their hope that this work will continue to shape and inspire others, leaving a long-lasting impact and legacy.
Emma Thompson introduced the new free sports initiative Cumbria United Against Suicide, delivered in partnership with Every Life Matters. The initiative brings together sports clubs across the county to take a stand against suicide. Zarrin Galea and Grant Reid, professional rugby players at Workington Town RLFC, shared a powerful lived experience video, highlighting how asking directly and talking openly can help support someone experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Delegates described the day as both moving and motivating:
“The stories were so personal and moving. It ignited something in me that feels strongly about change.”
“The inspiring lived experience stories at the start really set the day up with motivation and fire in my belly to want to make a difference and support change. It was great to have so many men share their stories - particularly young men in sport where mental health can be so stigmatising.”
Workshops and sessions, led by the Every Life Matters team and external experts, covered a wide range of topics, including autism and suicide prevention, workplace strategies, suicide prevention in the farming community, and a panel discussion on suicide and men led by BBC Cumbria’s Mike Zeller. Despite the variety, all sessions shared a common goal: equipping people with practical actions they can take.
A delegate said about the workshops:
“It was my first time attending the conference. It was so well structured and thoroughly organised. Content in the workshops, as well as guest speakers, made it both interesting and impactful throughout.”
Chris Wood, CEO and Co-Founder of Every Life Matters, said:
“We are very proud of our second conference. The feedback has been amazing, and people left not only with more knowledge and skills in suicide prevention but with real actions they can take immediately to make a difference. We are incredibly grateful to all our expert speakers and volunteers who made this day such a lasting success. Suicide rates in Cumbria are still stubbornly high. We call on everyone to take action and prevent suicide.”
The charity is looking forward to next year’s conference and to continuing to educate as many people as possible through free suicide prevention training across Cumbria, alongside a range of training programmes for employers. More information and support can be found on their website: www.every-life-matters.org.uk
If you or anyone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide and needs support, don’t hesitate to contact Samaritans on 116 123 or access the Every Life Matters Support Directory on their website.
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