Renfrewshire’s annual memorial event for those who have lost their lives to suicide was held last week.
The short event took place at the memorial tree outside Renfrewshire House on Thursday 23rd January, led by Renfrewshire Council’s Choose Life team, in partnership with local support group Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS).
As part of the event, Renfrewshire’s Tannahill Makar, Shaun Moore, read a poem titled ‘A Worthy Walk’, and attendees were invited to place purple hearts carrying messages to their loved ones on to the memorial tree.
Photo: Renfrewshire’s Memory Tree
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Renfrewshire’s Tannahill Makar Shaun Moore read a poem titled ‘A Worthy Walk’
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: People hang messages on the memory tree
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
The memorial tree was first dedicated in 2010 as a permanent memorial to those who have died through suicide and is believed to have been the first of its kind in Scotland.
After the short service those in attendance were invited to share their memories of their loved ones over refreshments in Paisley Abbey.
If you were unable to attend the event but would still like to have a heart placed on the tree in memory of a loved one, please contact the Choose Life team at chooselife.sw@renfrewshire.gov.uk
If you are feeling suicidal, or you know someone that might be then please call one of the helpline numbers: Samaritan’s 116 123, Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87, RAMH First Crisis 0141 849 90 90 or 0500 829 093.