Suicide prevention tour paper chain call

The symbolic baton will be carried through Cumbria by about 50 people on 7 September

People in Cumbria are being asked for messages of hope as part of a national suicide prevention tour.

The event involves bereaved families and survivors carrying the symbolic Baton of Hope through 20 locations, in a bid to challenge stigma and campaign for practical change.

It will reach Cumbria next weekend, where a 373m-long (31ft) paper chain will be on display, representing the 373 people in the county who lost their lives to suicide over the past five years.

Each metre will contain a message of hope, and afterwards the links will be shared with those who need support.

About 50 people will carry the baton through the county, stopping at a number of locations, including Whitehaven, Penrith and Carlisle, each of which will be holding special events.

Suzy Ryan, from Cumbria Health, which is organising the paper chain, said: "We are hoping that having this somewhere where people can take a look it might make them realise that they matter, that they are loved, that lots of people have been there before.

"Some of the messages we have received so far are from the heart, they are really lovely.

"They make your spine tingle and you think that would really help somebody in a time of need."

She said the links will be given out to organisations and groups so that "on bad days" people can take a look at them and read "a message of hope".

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support are available at BBC Action Line.