A suicide prevention conference taking place in Cumbria this April is inviting individuals and community members, to come and learn what they can do to help prevent suicide.
The Every Life Matters Suicide Prevention Conference will take place on 23 April at Rheged, near Penrith, from 8.30am to 4.30pm, and is built around a simple message: suicide is preventable, and taking action can save lives.
Last year’s delegates praised the conference, and one lady said, “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!”
Cumbria continues to have some of the highest suicide rates in England and Wales. For many people in the county, suicide is not an abstract issue – it is something that has affected their family, friends, or community.
After the success of the sell-out conference last year, the charity are encouraging anyone from the local community to come along, emphasising that it is not just for professionals. “This conference is for anyone who wants to understand what they can do to help their colleague, mate or relative,” said Chris Wood, CEO and co-founder of Every Life Matters. “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.”
Each session at the conference is designed to be practical and grounded in real situations people face, with speakers sharing clear actions people can take in everyday life. Some of the topics include looking at the question ‘Suicide and men, how do we start the conversation?’ as well as how we can support people with long-term thoughts of suicide, reaching out to the farming community and looking at the data around Cumbria’s stubbornly high suicide rates.
“All of us can play a part in preventing suicide,” Chris Wood added. “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 includes a delicious Rheged lunch. Anyone for whom cost is a barrier is encouraged to get in touch with the charity.
More information and booking details are available at: www.every-life-matters.org.uk/suicide-prevention-conference-2026
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