North West has highest suicide rate figures show as Join the Dots tour targets prevention

ITV Granada Reports journaliat Mel Barham has been speaking to Ellie Palma-Cass, who runs suicide prevention charity EPiC Hope in Wigan.

A woman who made multiple attempts to take her own life has given a powerful message to those in a similar position - as a groundbreaking event begins to reduce suicide figures to zero.

Ellie Palma-Cass says she endured real darkness through her teenage years and early twenties leaving her suicidal and mentally unwell.

After recovering from her poor mental health, a near fatal road accident seven years ago brought the suicidal thoughts back.

But Ellie, from Wigan, realised she was not alone - with her hometown recording the highest rates suicide anywhere in the country.

"There are so many people struggling in this town so I had to do something about it," she said.

Ellie started suicide prevention organisation EPiC Hope, which provides safe places for people to get help, with no waiting list and no referrals needed.

In May 2024 alone, they saved the lives of 12 people.

Ellie has a strong message to people who may be suffering:

She has now joined forces with other suicide prevention and mental health groups looking at how to reduce the number dying by suicide.

The groups from across the North West and the North East are getting together for the Join the Dots tour in a bid to get people talking about suicide and how to prevent it.

The tour is organised by Towards Zero Suicide CIC in partnership with The Jordan Legacy, and will hold a number of events, travelling across the North.

The tour begins in Scunthorpe but will cross the Pennines into the North West making stops every day for a series of special events:

• 17 June - Rochdale and Oldham

• 18 June - Bury

• 19 June - Wigan

• 20 June - Warrington

• 21 June - St Helens, Wirral and Liverpool

EPiC Hope uses services centres as 'harbours' where people can go for help or just someone to talk to.

"If people are feeling rock bottom as I was, there are harbours, safe places they can come for a brew and are chat," Ellie said.

There are now eight harbours across Wigan, and when Ellie heard about the Join the Dots tour, she said wanted to make sure that it stopped in Wigan.

"It will be amazing" she added. "So many people coming together to showcase what they do and giving support with mental health."

With workshops, craft sessions, yoga and wellbeing on offer it is hoped that as many people as possible come along to open up the conversation on suicide and how to prevent it.

In a message to those who maybe struggling, Ellie said: "Life is beautiful and wonderful.

"There are conversation you will have with people that will blow your mind.

"There are people you haven't even met yet who will be wonderful people in your life. Just hold on because life can change in an instant.

"If you are in Wigan there are harbours and there are peer support workers who are just waiting for you to come through our doors because we don't want you to die we want you to live, so just hold on as there is always hope."