Wirral Life September 2019 | Page 92

NEW FERRY CANDLELIT VIGIL On World Suicide Prevention Day The Martin Gallier Project held a vigil on the New Ferry Community Gardens. The vigil was a positive, uplifting event that brought the community together to remember those lost to suicide and to unite together to pledge their commitment to a few simple steps that we can all take to prevent suicides within the community. The Martin Gallier Project exists to prevent suicides, break down stigmas and support families in the North West. In February 2019 the project opened Wirrals first and only suicide prevention centre at 57 New Chester Road, New Ferry. The vigil was supported by the MEN TOO campaign, which has rapidly gained attention. It has now become a recognisable and welcomed campaign by many and has since joined forces with many other local business and charities. MEN TOO have linked up with the Martin Gallier project so that together they can tackle the growing male mental health crisis in a holistic approach. Katie Taylor-Smith of MEN TOO said: "Our most recent collaboration with the Martin Gallier Project was seen on World Suicide Prevention Day. "Attendees of the vigil included 50+ MEN TOO members alongside Merseyside Police, community members, MP Alison McGovern and local Hollyoaks actor Stephanie Davies. "The support for the male population and their vulnerabilities to mental illness and suicide is rapidly becoming of great focus and importance to all." 86 wirrallife.com