Little knitted flowers spreading hope across Wigan Borough

Little knitted flowers spreading hope across Wigan Borough

Councillor Keith Cunliffe and director of public health Rachael Musgrave with Flowers of Hope

Hundreds of handcrafted flowers are being scattered across Wigan Borough to remind those who need to hear it that there is always hope.

Made by local community groups and organisations, the carefully crocheted ‘Flowers of Hope’ are each accompanied by information about where someone can turn when they need support.

The colourful creations have been inspired by the Month of Hope – the annual Greater Manchester-wide campaign bridging World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September) and World Mental Health Day (10th October).

The campaign is all about encouraging honest discussions about mental health and wellbeing, reducing stigma and coming together as a community to prevent suicide.

Councillor Keith Cunliffe, Wigan Council’s deputy leader and cabinet portfolio holder for adult social care and health, said: “Suicide is a tragedy that continues to impact far too many of us in Wigan Borough and beyond.

“That’s why the Month of Hope is so important; to inspire hope through community, connection and simple acts of kindness, and to make sure people know there is always somewhere for them to turn.
Through our Suicide Prevention Partnership and collaborations with other partners and the wider community, here in Wigan Borough we’re working hard to break down the stigma around suicide, encourage open and honest conversations about mental health and wellbeing, provide support to those who need it, and spread hope.
Our ‘Flowers of Hope’ are little reminders that you are not alone and there is always someone you can turn to. Each one is unique, just like we all are.
This year they are letting people know about the Hub of Hope – a website and app that can connect them to all the support that’s available across our community.
We hope they bring a smile to someone’s face as they go about their day, and remind those who need to hear it that there is always hope.”

It’s not the first year Flowers of Hope have sprung up in the borough during September and October, but this year’s campaign has had a particularly phenomenal response from creative volunteers across the community – with as many as 2,000 of the flowers being made this time around.

Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for them in town centres, parks, community venues and other popular locations as well as plenty other, more unexpected places. Anyone who finds one is encouraged to take it home with them for support, or pass it on to a friend, family member or colleague who they feel may need it.

Those who’ve helped make the flowers include the ‘Needles and Natter’ knitting group, who come together each Tuesday at Chandler House on Poolstock Lane for a knit and a chat.

One group member, Shirley, said: “We enjoy crocheting to raise awareness for suicide prevention in the wider community because it combines a relaxing, creative hobby with a deep sense of purpose.
Crafting the flowers has not only developed our skills, it’s made us feel connected to a caring community. Friendships have been formed and some ladies that haven't done any needlework for a while have once again picked up their needles!”

Wigan Council staff have also got in on the act, along with others from Wigan & Leigh Pensioners Link, women’s creative group Miss Places CIC, addiction support charity With You and Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

Carrie House, LWT’s community organising officer for the Wigan Greenheart Landscape Recovery Scheme, said: “Mental health and suicide can affect any of us, and it’s so important to keep breaking down the stigma and reminding people that support is out there.
Through my work, I see every day how much comfort and connection nature can bring – so I hope these handmade flowers bring a little joy, help people feel cared for, and remind anyone who needs it that they’re not alone.”

Launched by North West-based organisation Chasing the Stigma, the Hub of Hope is the UK’s largest and most comprehensive directory of mental health and wellbeing services.

Wigan Council became the first local authority in the country to formally adopt the Hub of Hope as part of its efforts to improve mental wellbeing outcomes for local people earlier this year.

Free to use online or via a mobile app, it brings together around 14,000 local, national, NHS, community and voluntary sector services, helping more than 300,000 people every year to find the right support, whenever and wherever they need it.

For anyone in immediate distress, the Hub of Hope includes a ‘Get Urgent Help’ button connecting users directly to 24/7 crisis support lines. The platform is completely free for residents and the services listed within it.

Visit Hub Of Hope (external link) or download the Hub of Hope app from the App Store (external link) or Google Play (external link).

Wigan Borough residents are also being encouraged to sign up for free online suicide prevention training during the Month of Hope.

Provided by the Zero Suicide Alliance, the ‘Learn to Save a Life’ course is designed to help people feel equipped and confident to talk to someone who may be struggling.

It takes just 30 minutes to complete and is open to anyone aged 16 or over. Visit the Zero Suicide Alliance website (external link).