Memorial Event in the Borders for People Bereaved by Suicide

The third annual Memorial Event for people in the Scottish Borders who have lost a loved one to suicide takes place this year on Saturday 4th December, 2pm in Selkirk at Haining House. The event, supported by NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council, is hosted by the After A Suicide Working Group which is a group of volunteers who have been bereaved by suicide.

This year people are invited to walk together around the Haining Loch, stopping at the Clootie Tree, which was dedicated in 2019 to people who had died by suicide. The Clootie Tree is a special place where people can remember their loved ones and celebrate their lives, and tie a ribbon or a wooden heart to the tree in their memory.

You can register to attend the Memorial Event here: https://bbsmemorialevent.eventbrite.co.uk

Lesley Stewart, a member of the After A Suicide Working Group, said:  “The support we’ve had from the Borders community is really touching. Since we dedicated the Clootie Tree as a memorial tree in December 2019, more than 100 ribbons have been tied to the tree. It’s become a place of special meaning to many of us who have lost someone to suicide.

“This summer a memorial plaque was installed at the Clootie Tree, the plaque was donated to us by George Spittal, monumental sculptor. The wooden hearts that we’ll be offering to people at our Memorial Event in December have been donated by the Jed Community Shed. We’d also like to thank the trustees at the Haining for their support and Lochcarron of Scotland who kindly donated the tartan for the tree.

“These small acts of kindness and support really help us to know that we are not alone.”

Pippa Walls, Health Improvement Lead for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention at NHS Borders, said: “We know that more than 100 people can be affected by one suicide, and in a close knit community like the Borders there can be far reaching impact when someone takes their own life.  

“For anyone who has been bereaved by suicide or affected by suicide it’s important to open up about how you’re feeling with someone you trust. Family and friends can be a great source of support just by listening to how someone is feeling or you can access support from Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide by calling their national helpline or getting in touch with the local coordinator to find out about the support group.

“There are things you can do to look after your own mental health like getting outside for a walk, taking up a new hobby that you’ll enjoy, learning something new or even just accepting kindness that others offer.”

For further information about the Memorial Event, or to get involved in the work of the After A Suicide Working Group contact: health.improvement@borders.scot.nhs.uk