A unique event on the River Tyne is taking place to raise awareness of suicide and to help people recognise the warning signs in their friends and loved ones.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday 10th September, Mia Davison is organising a floating exhibition at Newcastle Quayside with music, art, and poetry.
Mia works at St Peter’s Marina and has a passion for the river and boats. During her time working there, she and the marina have assisted the emergency services looking for people in the river who have taken the sad step of jumping off a bridge when things have been too much for them to take.
This harrowing experience has prompted her to engage local artists, entertainers, and charities to put together a floating exhibition to raise people’s awareness and to help prevent future suicides.
“There will be around 15 to 20 boats going up the river to attract the public’s attention and then we will tie up at Newcastle City Marina underneath the Tyne Bridge and invite the public to come and see the exhibition,” said Mia.
“Artists are creating banners and flags which will be projected onto the boats and we’re building a stage for music, poetry and we will also have talks from some of the CEOs of the charities who will explain what they do to help prevent suicide attempts and support families who are affected. Sadly, it happens more than you think.”
Charities dealing with addiction and mental health will be present as well as Chester-Le-Street based If U Care Share who support emotional well-being in young people and those affected by suicide.
Vessels taking part are mainly from St Peter’s Marina but others from nearby Willington Quay will also take part. In addition, it is hoped that the Maritime Volunteer Service’s Northumbria Unit will also attend.
The event will be filmed by fledgling company Hansom and Noble as Dan Hansom explains:
“It’ll be a great spectacle to see all the boats on the river, but they will also carry a very serious message. Mental health has been a big passion of mine through personal, family and friends experience and I think we need to bring everybody together and show the kind of positive force that there is in Newcastle.
“As well as filming the event we are currently negotiating with a gallery space so that we can show the film after the event and keep the day’s important legacy running for weeks to come.”
For more information contact Mia Davison at St Peter’s Marina on 0191 2654472
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Photo: Mia at St Peter’s (Highlights PR)
Media opportunities and interviews: keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951