VINNY PECULIAR

MUSICIAN TO SUPPORT SALFORD’S ‘START INSPIRING MINDS’ CHARITY

WITH PERFORMANCE FOR THE
WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY VIGIL & PROCESSION OF REMEMBRANCE

– SALFORD MUSEUM & ART GALLERY, SUNDAY 10th SEPTEMBER –

Start Inspiring Minds, a renowned mental health charity in Salford, is proud to announce their upcoming Vigil & Procession of Remembrance on World Suicide Prevention Day.

This significant event, delivered by STARTS Award winging ‘Reach Out; Start to End Suicide’, with the support of Salford Integrated Care Partnership, is being supported by acclaimed singer-songwriter Vinny Peculiar, aims to honour those lost to suicide and provide support for the bereaved.

On Sunday, September 10th, members of the public are invited to gather at the Starts Wellbeing Centre as a united community, before embarking on the Vigil & Procession of Remembrance. This powerful event serves as a testament to those we have lost and offers solace and compassion for those left behind.

Symbolising the impact of suicide on the Salford community, 130 yellow flags will be unfurled along the procession route leading to the Salford Museum & Art Gallery. Each flag represents a life lost to suicide in Salford over the past five years, creating a poignant visual tribute.

Once at the Museum & Art Gallery, a solemn vigil will be held, featuring speakers and performances that respectfully honour the lives lost to suicide. These include Singer/Song-Writer Vinny Peculiar, Salford Ceremonial Mayor, Gina Reynolds, Salford Council Chief Executive, Tom Stannard, Living Experience advocate Melanie Anderton, Poet, Jardel Rodrequies, and more. Salford CVS CEO, Alison Page, will be our host on the evening.

This gathering provides a safe space to acknowledge and validate the grief experienced by survivors, fostering a display of unity and support within the community.

Vinny Peculiar, also known as Alan Wilkes, is a singer-songwriter with a remarkable career spanning two decades. He has worked with former members of The Smiths and Oasis. His music has been critically acclaimed, captivating audiences worldwide with his unique style and thought-provoking lyrics. He grew up in Worcestershire and trained as a nurse before signing to Manchester cult label Ugly Man records [former home to Elbow]. He’s since put out thirteen albums of literate autobiographical pop music over a twenty-five year career and has regularly toured band, solo and duo shows.

Vinny said:

“I am honoured to stand side by side with all those affected and bereaved by suicide in Salford and beyond. World Suicide Prevention Day is not only about promoting Suicde Prevention but about supporting those who have lost loved ones to suicide. Standing shoulder to shoulder with them/us ending the stigma that can cause them to be treated differently, be left isolated and at a higher risk of suicide. It’s also about honouring the lives that we have lost to suicide in a way that we are able to open with our grief and in a supportive community”.

“My brother took his own life in 2001. One of the songs I’ll be playing at the vigil I wrote for him way back in 1988, a song about the impact of his initial hospitalisation and diagnosis and its impact on my family. It’s called ‘Big Grey Hospital”.

Dennis Baldwin, “Reach Out; Start to End Suicde’ Project Manager, expressed the importance of the Vigil of Remembrance, stating, “It not only honours those we have lost but also demonstrates our unwavering support for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. By breaking the stigma surrounding suicide, we hope to create a community that encourages open discussions and enables individuals to seek help when experiencing suicidal thoughts.”

To have a loved one’s name added to the roll of remembrance, which will be read at the vigil, or to carry a flag in the procession of remembrance, please contact Dennis Baldwin at [email protected].

The World Suicide Prevention Day Vigil of Remembrance will take place on Sunday, September 10th, 6.30pm with the gathering starting at 6:30 PM at the START Wellbeing Centre (M6 5BZ). The Procession of Remembrance will commence at 7:00 PM, followed by the Vigil of Remembrance at 7:15 PM at the Salford Museum & Art Gallery (M5 4WU).

Start Inspiring Minds encourages everyone to participate and stand together in remembrance and support. By joining forces, we can raise awareness, promote mental well-being, and strive towards preventing further tragedies.

World Suicide Prevention Day Vigil of Remembrance, Tuesday 10th September

6.00pm Gather START Wellbeing Centre M6 5BZ, 6.30pm Procession of Remembrance,7.00pm Vigil of Remembrance, Salford Museum & Art Gallery M5 4WU

About START: Since 1993 START has been supporting in excess of 10,000 people to recovery from mental ill health through therapeutic creative arts and horticulture in Salford.

To keep up to date and join ‘Reach Out; Start to End Suicide’ visit: www.startinspiringminds.org.uk/reachout and follow us on social media @reachoutstes

Are you having suicidal thoughts, are worried about someone who think maybe suicidal or experiencing difficulties coping after the loss of someone to suicide please visit ‘Shining A Light On Suicide’ http://www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/