People across Cumbria are being invited to attend a suicide
prevention conference later this month that aims to equip communities with the
confidence and practical tools to help prevent suicide. With only a few tickets
remaining, the event looks to sell out for the second year running.
The Every Life Matters Suicide Prevention Conference will
take place on 23 April at Rheged, near Penrith, from 8.30am to 4.30pm, bringing
together people from across the county who want to learn how they can support
others and help save lives.
The conference is built around a simple message: suicide is
preventable, and taking action can make a real difference.
Cumbria continues to have some of the highest suicide rates
in England. For many people in the county, suicide is not an abstract issue –
it is something that has affected their family, friends, or community.
Following the success of last year’s sell-out event,
organisers say the conference is open to anyone who wants to better understand
how to help someone who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Guest speakers include Mike Zeller, from BBC Radio Cumbria
who will be hosting a panel discussion on supporting men with thoughts of
suicide. Andy Airey from Three Dads Walking will be opening the conference, and
talking about the new changes to the school National Curriculum this September,
which will now include suicide prevention.
Chris Wood, CEO and co-founder of Every Life Matters, said:
“This conference is for anyone who wants to understand what
they can do to help their colleague, mate or relative. You don’t need to be a
professional, and you don’t need to have all the answers. What matters is being
willing to take action, ask directly if someone is having thoughts of suicide,
and know what to do next.”
Delegates at last year’s conference praised the event, with
one attendee saying:
“The quality of the speakers was amazing. It was
professional, powerful and really inspiring to be in a room full of people that
can make a difference. I learnt so much last year.”
Each session at the conference is designed to be practical
and grounded in real situations people face, with speakers sharing clear
actions that people can take in everyday life.
Topics will include:
Suicide and men – how do we start the conversation?
Supporting people with long-term thoughts of suicide
Reaching out to the farming community
Supporting people who are in crisis
Chris Wood added:
“All of us can play a part in preventing suicide. This
conference is about giving people the confidence and tools to do that, with
practical actions people can take every day.”
Tickets are £95 for the private sector and £75 for charity,
community and public sector organisations, and include lunch at Rheged.
Anyone for whom cost is a barrier is encouraged to contact
the charity directly.
More information and booking details are available at:
www.every-life-matters.org.uk/suicide-prevention-conference-2026/
You can also watch highlights from last year’s conference
here:
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