A group of island organisations have joined forces to raise awareness of suicide prevention and the support available to the Manx community as part of World Suicide Prevention Day.

The joint effort took place in Douglas today (Thursday, September 10), bringing together Ed Space IoM, Public Health, Manx Care, the Manx Family Community Association, Cruse Bereavement Support, The Children’s Centre, Isle Listen, Motiv8 and Isle Stand Up To Suicide.

The organisations gathered outside Marks & Spencer on Strand Street to speak with members of the public, share information and highlight the different forms of support available across the island. This year’s wider World Suicide Prevention Day theme was ‘Creating Hope Through Action’.

One of the most powerful elements of the day was a display of 50 pairs of shoes, representing the 50 people whose deaths by suicide were officially recorded by the Coroner on the Isle of Man in recent years.

The display was designed to remember those who have died while encouraging people to have open conversations about suicide, mental health and seeking support.

Simon Jones, a volunteer with Ed Space, said bringing the organisations together was important because each offers different types of help.

‘We all provide different types of support across the island at different points when people need it. So it's more important that we can be the voice for the people that use our services.’

Paula Dunlop, chairperson of Isle Stand Up To Suicide, said the collaboration was helping the community better understand what is available.

‘I think this has given the island community the opportunity to approach us to find out what each service, charity and organisation has to offer. It's about raising our profile and raising awareness of all the help that's available.

‘We also want to start a conversation, and this year the theme is about changing the narrative, and that's what we intend to do in this collaboration of organisations.’

Deana Douglas, co-director of Samaritans, also stressed that people should not wait until they are in crisis before reaching out for help.

‘I think it's really important that we are showing that there is so many different types of help out there for the community, and not necessarily when you are in crisis. It's important that you reach out before you get to that stage, and we're here to listen to people before they do get to that stage. It's really important.’

The initiative aims to reduce stigma surrounding suicide, encourage people to look out for one another and make it easier for anyone struggling to find appropriate support.

Landmarks around the island have also been lit purple and teal during the week to mark the awareness day.

This evening, Bereaved Survivors of Suicide Isle of Man will host a ‘Walk in Their Shoes’ event, beginning at 7.45pm at the Bee Gees Statue on Douglas Promenade.

A service will be followed by a walk to Paramount City Café, where participants will be welcomed with a hot drink. A bus will also be available to take people back to the Sea Terminal.

Money raised through the events will go towards a ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ Memorial Garden.