Shoes 'tribute to loved ones lost to suicide'

Shirley Cain and Dan Dooley organised the display

Organisers behind a display of shoes representing 68 people who took their own lives said it aimed to pay tribute to them while highlighting suicide was a "serious problem" on the Isle of Man.

The collection, which features shoes from those who died over a four-year period, has been put on display in Strand Street in Douglas with support available alongside it.

Shirley Cain, who co-founded Ed's Space in memory of her brother Ed Joyce who took his own life last year at the age of 50, said she came up with the idea "because I was angry with the amount of suicides on the Isle of Man".

She said it was a "tribute to our loved ones", illustrating "they are not just a number, not just a statistic".

Ms Cain said the word suicide was "whispered on the Isle of Man", so those behind the project "wanted to make a statement" as many people did not realise the ripple effect the deaths had.

The display features a pair of shoes representing each person who died by suicide between 2020 and 2024 on the island

The display, which was put together to coincide with world suicide prevention day on Wednesday, also features the names of those who took their own lives between 2020 and 2024.

About 150 people took part in a walk along Douglas Promenade that evening with charities Ed's Space, Isle Stand Up to Suicide and Bereaved Survivors of Suicide to commemorate those who had died.

Dan Dooley, co-founder of Ed's Space, said: "I think it is really important to show people how much support is there."

"Anyone who is out there who is struggling, please come and get some help."

Mark Butler and Dave Smith provide clinical support for mental health through Manx Care

Senior matron for integrated mental health services at Manx Care, Mark Butler, was among those who attended to offer support on Wednesday.

He said "not one approach suits everyone", but "we are all here to encourage people to access whatever service suits them best".

"One suicide is too many, every one is a tragedy, and it affects more than just that one person," he said.

Dave Smith, clinical lead for the crisis team, said it was about "opening up that conversation so people talk".

"If you are concerned about a friend, reach out to them or to some of the services to ask for advice and support," he added.

His team, which provides urgent support to police, hospital and ambulance services, in recent years has been "fully staffed" and "I think we are in a really good situation now to further develop and work with other organisations," he added.

The display, along with organisations that provide support, will be back on Strand Street on Saturday

Members of Ed's Space, Isle Stand Up to Suicide, Samaritans and Bereaved Survivors of Suicide will be on Strand Street from 09:30 until 17:30 BST to talk to people about the support available, and provide help.

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this story you can visit the BBC Action Line for support.