Halton Council is holding its second memorial evening for anyone bereaved bysuicide.

It will be held on today, World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10, from 7pm to 9pm at Halton Stadium in Widnes.  

The free event is an evening for people to come together with others who havebeen through the loss of a loved one through suicide, share experiences,remember their loved ones and connect with support services.  

Services available to offer support on the evening will  include Amparo,Samaritans, SoBS, Child Bereavement UK.

These memorial events began in 2017 and have taken place so far in Liverpool,St Helens, Chester and Halton.  All events are fopen toeveryone from across Cheshire and Merseyside.

Children are welcome to come along as well – there will be an activity area forthem.   There will also be a memorial wall available on the evening for people to placephotos of their loved ones if they wish to do so.    

Every day 18 people take their own lives and World Suicide Prevention Day aims to reduce that number.

Suicide is the biggest killer of men aged 20-49 in the UK.

Children’s charity NSPCC used the day to focus on children who may be struggling.

A spokesman said: “It is a tragic fact that each day Childline hears from around 60 children and young people who have contemplated suicide.

“It's vital they know they have somewhere to turn and someone will listen and let them know their lives are worth living.

”Children and young people with worries can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk.

If you are feeling suicidal contact the Samaritans on freephone 116 123 or call NHS 111.

Anyone affected by the suicide of someone close to them can call the Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide on 0800 003 7029.