Memorial service held in Paisley to remember lives lost to suicide

Renfrewshire’s annual memorial service to commemorate those who have lost their lives to suicide took place in Paisley on Thursday.

The Memory Tree event was held outside Renfrewshire House, bringing bereaved family and friends together to remember loved ones and celebrate their lives. The service also aimed to raise awareness of mental health issues and provide a supportive space for anyone who may be struggling.

As part of the event, those attending were invited to place a purple heart on the memorial tree, each carrying a personal message in memory of someone lost.

Before the service, people gathered inside Renfrewshire House Customer Contact Centre from 3.30pm to write messages on purple hearts, before moving outside for the memorial at 4.15pm.

Following the service, attendees joined the Provost, local support groups and the Choose Life team for light refreshments in Paisley Abbey, where support and information were available for anyone who needed it.

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.

Provost Cameron, who helped establish the tree, said: “Our annual memorial service to those we have lost to suicide is a very important event here in Renfrewshire and offers everyone who has been affected by suicide the chance to remember our loved ones and share memories with others who are understand how we are feeling.

“Suicide is still very much a taboo subject, but the Choose Life team and other local support networks will be available after the service to provide any support you, or a friend or family member, may need.”

Anyone who was unable to attend but would still like a heart placed on the tree in memory of a loved one can contact the Choose Life team at chooselife.sw@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

If you are feeling suicidal, or know someone who may be struggling, help is available. You can contact Samaritans on 116 123, Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87, or RAMH First Crisis on 0141 849 90 90 or 0500 829 093.

Photo Credit: David Cameron / Renfrewshire News