Tributes are left at the bench, in Vivary Park, Taunton, which was donated by Netflix to mark the Afterlife series. Picture: Somerset Council

Walkers at Taunton event to honour those lost to suicide

Paul JonesAugust 26, 20250 Comment0

WALKERS will remember those lost through suicide during a charity event in Taunton.

Somerset Council’s Walk for a Life event, which sees people set off on a gentle walk around the town, is set to return for a fourth year on Saturday, September 6.

The event is arranged by the council’s Public Health team, as well as a number of other organisations, and aims to honour those who have lost their lives to suicide, to raise awareness and to promote open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.

Starting at 10.30am from the Quaker Meeting House, at 13 Bath Place, participants will follow a “gentle, accessible route through Taunton town centre, stopping in Vivary Park at the “Afterlife” bench to lay flowers to commemorate loved ones”, a council spokesperson said.

The bench was donated by Netflix to commemorate Ricky Gervais’ After Life series, and serves as a place for people to visit for quiet reflection and remembrance.

The bench is part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage open conversations around mental health and suicide prevention – with a similar bench playing a role in the series.

The route is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs and well behaved dogs on short leads are welcome.

Councillor Graham Oakes, lead member for public health, climate change and environment at the council, said: “I want to invite everyone to come and join the Walk for a Life event on Saturday, September 6, and be part of a united effort to raise awareness, support one another and to remind people that help is always available.

“Whether you’re walking in memory of a loved one or to show your support for suicide prevention, your presence matters.”

Post-walk refreshments and support will be available from noon to 1pm, where attendees can connect with a range of local support organisations offering information, advice and a listening ear.

Organisations attending include: Open Mental Health, Mind in Somerset, Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Somerset Council, 2BU Somerset, Young Somerset, Taunton Samaritans, Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP), Somerset Drug & Alcohol Service (SDAS), Help for Heroes, Healthwatch Somerset, Our Somerset, Talk Club.

Squares from the Speak Their Name Memorial Quilt – a community artwork created by people across Somerset in memory of loved ones lost to suicide – will be on display at the event.

For more information and to contribute a square, email speaktheirname@mindinsomerset.org.uk.

Meanwhile, for more information and support, visit walkforalife.org.uk.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call Mindline – Somerset’s 24/7 mental health helpline, on 01823 276 892, or 0800 138 1692.