In 2024 we were involved with organising our first Smashing the Stigma as part of Suicide Prevention Week, those attending the event considered it worthwhile and were provided with much needed help and support. We are running this event once again for those in need of support and for those who offer support the option to meet one another.
Smashing the Stigma 2025 (Draft 1)
On Saturday 13th September at Butterfly Meadow, in Shenfield, near Brentwood in Essex, an afternoon entitled ‘Smashing the Stigma’, will run from 12.00pm until 4.00pm and will be for those who have lost loved ones, friends or colleagues to suicide. The original idea of Smashing the Stigma came about after a local minister contacted us about working together on an event following a death by suicide within their family unit; this was the trigger we needed as we had wished to confront this tragic subject for some time.
The afternoon is for those who have lost loved ones to suicide, a chance to talk to others, if they wish to; a time for prayer if they wish to; to gain information and just be amongst those who truly ‘get it’. There will be several age relevant activities available for those wishing to take part.
Organisations including Andy’s Man Club, The Craig Tyler Trust, Mind, Papyrus, Survivors of Bereavement Through Suicide (SOBS), Renew, Samaritans, Amparo, GA and several other organisations will be there. Refreshments will be available; counsellors will be around for a chat and others who can lend an ear and signpost to ongoing support. Brentwood Borough Council are supporting the event too, plus St Mary’s Church who are kindly letting us use the church and Butterfly Meadow.
There is on street parking only, please be considerate and avoid the bend near the church.
We welcome other local support organisations to take part and help on the day, the more volunteers the better! Please contact via info@bennettsfunerals.co.uk or call on 01277 210104.