Derbyshire mum working to help others with their mental health
It's after her son took his own life in December 2016
A mum from Glossop is helping other people with their mental health, after her son took his own life.
Greatest Hits Radio Derbyshire have been speaking to Angela Pownall - as today marks World Suicide Prevention Day.
Angela was a Baton bearer in Sheffield during the Baton of Hope UK Tour. She is now helping to organise a Baton of Hope Celebration Event next Saturday (16th) in Glossop as part of the Glossop Suicide Prevention movement.
"The conversation around suicide has been hidden in the shadows, and we need to bring it out of those shadows and magnify that situation, and have those conversations, so people feel comfortable, confident and empowered to have those conversations."
The event will be held in Norfolk Square from 10am – 2pm and Angela will be joined by a host of partners to support in raising awareness of suicide prevention: "We are luckily enough to be joined by wider partners from Derbyshire wide organisations offering; mental health support, men’s support groups, emergency services, children and young people support, live podcast, as well as activities for children and young people including a singing workshop from 11am – 12, all day crafts and much more.
"At 12:15pm we will have a performance from The Georgia Bird Foundation Choir who will be performing the Baton of Hope Anthem plus other musical guests throughout the day.
"We also have a group of people who will be walking around the town asking members of the public and employers to scan the QR code and sign up to the zero-suicide alliance free 20-minute training video
"We invite you all to join us on the day and take part in our day of celebration and hope."
Angela said: "Our eldest son, he had general issues that young men have, relationships, employment, finance... all the things they don't feel are important to talk to other people about, but once those things happen and its an add on, and an add on, and an add on, and unfortunately my son described it as his demons... he was fighting his demons."
"It's okay. It's okay to talk. It's okay to get upset. It's okay to reach out for support."