A balloon for every “missed birthday” of suicide victims

Bereaved families from across the UK are supporting the event organised by the Campaign Against Living Miserably

An eye-catching display of birthday balloons to raise awareness of rising levels of young suicide has been launched by a mental health charity.

6,929 birthday balloons, representing the number of young lives lost to suicide across the UK in the last decade, form part of a new campaign by C.A.L.M.

Each balloon in the installation at Westfield London marks the age that the victim would have reached at their next birthday had they not taken their own lives.

Why are balloons floating in Westfield shopping centre?

“Missed Birthdays” is designed to shine a spotlight on the impact of suicide, the scale of the issue across the country, and what support is out there for people who are struggling.

The Campaign Against Living Miserably is working with bereaved families across the UK to share stories – and arrest a worrying young suicide rate.

Joanna Garvey is among those supporting the project, after her son Will took his own life when he was 20.

She said: “I like to think of Will as the kind of person you’d want your child to be a friend of. 

“He was quiet and shy but he also knew how to have a good time, he’d get involved in anything and everything.

“He was a massive Nottingham Forest fan, and loved the stats side of football as well. He also became a massive fan of the Indianapolis Colts as well, and he loved live music. He did all the things that kids do and he was lovely.

“Taking part in this feels like a really positive way he can take part in something and make a difference to other people.

“Even in his death, he can do something positive, and he’d love that.

‘It can happen to anyone at anytime’

Speaking ahead of the campaign launch, Jude, from Cheshire, told us about her son Sam – who will be represented by a balloon at the installation.

Jude said: “Sam was 20 when he lost his life – he was a comedian to his peers, and he was mainly up in his bedroom listening to music, and he always like to support the underdog, and he was a fan of Wigan Athletic!

“He loved gigs, music and travelling and life seemed good on the outside, little did we know what was happening internally.

“I’m just hoping the CALM campaign has a massive impact, it’s happening all the time and it can happen to you. You don’t think it’s in your world, but it can happen to anyone at any time.”

Tom’s story

Another of the near 7000 balloons will represent Tom – who would have been 20 at his next birthday.

Mum Jane told us why she was supporting CALM and the work they do trying to save lives: “Tom was 19 when he died. He was diagnosed with dyslexia when he was six so he found school quite challenging.

“He always felt different to other children and when he went to senior school it got worse.

“He never said he was depressed, he was genuinely cheerful, he used to play practical jokes.

“His death came as a huge shock, he was well loved, he was well liked, he had a large friendship group, but he was different, and for teenagers being different is a massive thing.

“Suicide doesn’t manifest in the way people think – and I want other families to be very aware they miss the signs – we did.

“It’s just about warning people to talk to their young people about suicide, without the fear that that means they’re suicidal.”

Sadil’s story

Saroj lost her son Sadil to suicide. Ahead of the CALM campaign launch, she opened up about her experience – and why she was so keen to support the campaign.

She told Hits Radio: “Sadil was a very generous person, he’d walk into a room and you’d have positive vibes automatically – he would light up the room.

“He was very caring, he did voluntary work, he was really kind, but he also had a mischievous side to him.

“I’m sure my son would be very proud of what I am doing today.

“I think for those who’ve losted loved ones, we’re encouraging one another as well. 

You’re not alone, we’re always here.”

After 11th September, all balloons will be donated to the Children’s SCRAP project to be used in arts and crafts.

How do I contact CALM?

If you’ve been affected by the issues in this story, CALM has a series of resources and guides you can access on its website.

They have a dedicated suicide prevention helpline you can reach on 0800 585858 which is available from 5pm-midnight every day.

It’s free to call and all calls are confidential and anonymous.

They also have LiveChat and Whatsapp options.

Where to get help and advice

You can also find out about other mental health services across the UK through Where’s Your Head At?

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