On World Suicide Prevention Day, Brecon and District Mind invited the community to raise awareness and take time to remember all those lost to, and affected by suicide.

The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day, which was on Saturday, September 10 is ‘Creating Hope through Action’.

Brecon & District Mind’s members, Trustees, staff, volunteers and community members gathered to mark the occasion.

Marie Davies, CEO of Brecon & District Mind said: “Every year on September 10 on World Suicide Prevention Day we have an opportunity to remember those lost to suicide and to support people that have been affected by it.

“It is also a chance to highlight and educate people about suicide and to offer advice and support to anyone who is experiencing suicidal feelings or worried about someone they know.

“At Brecon & District Mind we have a skilled and dedicated team of volunteers and staff who provide support to those in distress. I’d like to highlight two from the range of support we offer.

“The ‘Support after Suicide’ group that meets fortnightly on a Tuesday.

“And the Twilight Crisis Prevention Service, which is currently available four evenings each week from 5pm to 11pm. The Twilight service started in the spring of 2021, initially funded in memory of a local young person who died by suicide, more recently the service is funded short term by Powys teaching Health Board.”

The service has received over 200 calls for help from over 50 different local people who needed support to be ‘safe for now’.

Following the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen, their changed our plans slightly during the national period of mourning.

Ms Davies added: “It felt right to come together to meet on a key date for us all at Brecon & District Mind and the people we serve who have been affected by suicide.”

For further information about the services or how you can get involved please contact the charity on 01874 611529 or [email protected].

The Twilight Sanctuary service can be accessed via 01874 793118, 07375 109732 or [email protected]