Month of Hope to inspire life-changing conversations
We're shining a light on suicide prevention by sharing messages of hope and promoting wellbeing events for residents across Gateshead and Newcastle until 10 October 2025.
Following our Director of Public Health's latest annual report for Gateshead, which highlighted the devastating impact of the lives lost to alcohol, drugs and suicide in our communities, we will be shining a light on suicide prevention by encouraging open conversations to challenge the stigma that often surrounds suicide and mental health.
The awareness raising events take inspiration from the annual Month of Hope in Greater Manchester, taking place from 10 September (World Suicide Prevention Day) until 10 October (World Mental Health Day).
Each Month of Hope event and activity highlighted is part of the national Shining a Light on Suicide campaign, which aims to bring the stigma around suicide out of the dark. In our area, activities throughout the month will support people to have meaningful conversations, all while supporting their health and wellbeing.
This includes:
- 10 September, 12pm to 2pm: An online webinar for World Suicide Prevention Day, which is free to attend and will be supported by mental health organisations across Gateshead and Newcastle
- 13 September, 10am to 12pm: Knit and Natter at Gateshead Central Library
- 14 September, 5am start, Team Valley: If U Care Share's Walk of Light, which invites people to come together to remember those that we have lost and share stories in a supportive environment, stopping at the Angel of the North
- 16, 23, 30 September and 7 October, 10.30 to 12.30pm: Support After Suicide Group in Trinity Square's community room, free to attend and ran by George's Hub
- 20 September, 10am to 3pm: Recovery Connection's Recovery Festival and Recovery Walk will be back in Baltic Square, Gateshead, with entertainment and refreshments
As well as regular health and wellbeing activities ran by Active Travel Gateshead, Newcastle United Foundation and Gateshead Libraries.
Alice Wiseman, Director of Public Health at Gateshead Council and Newcastle Council, said:
"Suicide prevention is everyone's business. By supporting the Month of Hope in Gateshead and Newcastle, we can help to shine a light on the impact suicide has on our communities, and most importantly, inspire life-changing conversations to help those who are struggling know that they are not alone, and support is always out there."
Councillor Bernadette Oliphant, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing at Gateshead Council, added:
"The Month of Hope brings people together for special events to raise awareness of suicide prevention, alongside an array of health and wellbeing activities on offer for free in our area.
"We know that support from our communities is hugely beneficial for our wellbeing, and I would like to thank every organisation involved in this campaign for their amazing work in empowering people to have conversations. By doing so, you're reducing the stigma about mental health, and making it easier for people to reach out for help."
For regular updates on the Month of Hope activities, follow Better Health Gateshead on Facebook.
Support
There are always people who want to listen. At any time, you can contact Mind's helpline on 0300 102 1234, or Samaritans on 116 123.
For anyone bereaved or affected by suicide, support is available from If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661, no matter how long ago the loss was. You can also access a directory of local and national support for mental health online - Mental health and wellbeing support directory.
We're shining a light on suicide prevention by sharing messages of hope and promoting wellbeing events for residents across Gateshead and Newcastle until 10 October 2025.
Following our Director of Public Health's latest annual report for Gateshead, which highlighted the devastating impact of the lives lost to alcohol, drugs and suicide in our communities, we will be shining a light on suicide prevention by encouraging open conversations to challenge the stigma that often surrounds suicide and mental health.
The awareness raising events take inspiration from the annual Month of Hope in Greater Manchester, taking place from 10 September (World Suicide Prevention Day) until 10 October (World Mental Health Day).
Each Month of Hope event and activity highlighted is part of the national Shining a Light on Suicide campaign, which aims to bring the stigma around suicide out of the dark. In our area, activities throughout the month will support people to have meaningful conversations, all while supporting their health and wellbeing.
This includes:
- 10 September, 12pm to 2pm: An online webinar for World Suicide Prevention Day, which is free to attend and will be supported by mental health organisations across Gateshead and Newcastle
- 13 September, 10am to 12pm: Knit and Natter at Gateshead Central Library
- 14 September, 5am start, Team Valley: If U Care Share's Walk of Light, which invites people to come together to remember those that we have lost and share stories in a supportive environment, stopping at the Angel of the North
- 16, 23, 30 September and 7 October, 10.30 to 12.30pm: Support After Suicide Group in Trinity Square's community room, free to attend and ran by George's Hub
- 20 September, 10am to 3pm: Recovery Connection's Recovery Festival and Recovery Walk will be back in Baltic Square, Gateshead, with entertainment and refreshments
As well as regular health and wellbeing activities ran by Active Travel Gateshead, Newcastle United Foundation and Gateshead Libraries.
Alice Wiseman, Director of Public Health at Gateshead Council and Newcastle Council, said:
"Suicide prevention is everyone's business. By supporting the Month of Hope in Gateshead and Newcastle, we can help to shine a light on the impact suicide has on our communities, and most importantly, inspire life-changing conversations to help those who are struggling know that they are not alone, and support is always out there."
Councillor Bernadette Oliphant, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing at Gateshead Council, added:
"The Month of Hope brings people together for special events to raise awareness of suicide prevention, alongside an array of health and wellbeing activities on offer for free in our area.
"We know that support from our communities is hugely beneficial for our wellbeing, and I would like to thank every organisation involved in this campaign for their amazing work in empowering people to have conversations. By doing so, you're reducing the stigma about mental health, and making it easier for people to reach out for help."
For regular updates on the Month of Hope activities, follow Better Health Gateshead on Facebook.
Support
There are always people who want to listen. At any time, you can contact Mind's helpline on 0300 102 1234, or Samaritans on 116 123.
For anyone bereaved or affected by suicide, support is available from If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661, no matter how long ago the loss was. You can also access a directory of local and national support for mental health online - Mental health and wellbeing support directory.
