Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is inviting residents to share messages of encouragement and support as part of the Messages of Hope campaign, marking World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.

Part of the council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the initiative aims to help people feel connected, reduce the stigma around mental health, raise awareness of local support services and resources, and provide messages of hope to people who may be facing mental health challenges or affected by the loss of someone to suicide.

Messages of Hope display boards will be located at several locations across the borough. Residents are invited to write a message of hope for others and read or take a message that resonates with them. Information about local mental health support services and resources will be available at each location.

From 10 to 17 September, residents can write a message of hope and pin it to one of the boards located at:

• Ashley Centre, Epsom
• Bourne Hall Library, Ewell
• Epsom Library
• Epsom Picturehouse
• St John’s Church, Stoneleigh

Chief Executive of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Jackie King, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, and the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Lucie McIntyre, will add their own messages to the board at the Ashley Centre.

Epsom Picturehouse will host a free Letters of Hope workshop in its café area on 10 September from 2pm to 4pm, led by local facilitator Kate McBarron. Participants will be guided through letter-writing techniques and prompts to help them create messages of hope, with time afterwards to continue writing. To book a place, email epsom.marketing@picturehouses.co.uk or call 07841 724938.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee said:

“Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and they can have a profound impact on individuals, families and friends.

"World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage conversations and remind people that small acts of kindness can make a real difference. Through Messages of Hope, we want to show that Epsom & Ewell is a community that cares, where people look out for one another and where nobody has to face difficult times alone."

“I would encourage anyone who is experiencing mental health difficulties, or who is concerned about someone they know, to reach out for help. One life lost is too much."

Information about local mental health support and resources can be found here: Mental Health Support and Resources | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council