Renfrewshire’s annual memorial service for those who have lost their lives to suicide will take place this month.

Support group Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide will host a short service, open to all, at Renfrewshire House, in Cotton Street, Paisley, on Thursday, January 24.

Anyone who has been affected by suicide is invited to meet at the marriage suite from 3.15pm to collect a commemorative purple heart, on which they can write a message to a loved one.

At 3.30pm there will be a short set of readings, followed by a procession to the memorial tree, where Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron will lay a wreath.

Anyone who is unable to attend the service but would like a message to be placed on the tree can get in touch in advance or visit the council reception at any time following the service to collect a commemorative heart.

After the service, all those in attendance are invited to join Provost Cameron, members of SOBS and the Choose Life team for refreshments in Paisley Abbey.

Provost Cameron, who helped to establish the memorial tree in 2010, said: “This service has become extremely important to members of the local community who have been affected by the loss of a loved one to suicide and I will be honoured to lay a wreath.

“If you’ve been affected by suicide in any manner, please come along and take part in the service. The team will be available for a chat and can provide you with the support you, or a friend or family member, needs to move forward.

The Gazette: Provost Lorraine Cameron

Provost Cameron 

“If you’re unable to make it along on the day, please get in touch to talk about what you are feeling or what support you need. Don’t suffer in silence.”

The memorial tree was first dedicated in 2010 as a permanent memorial to those who have died through suicide and is believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland.

For more information call 0141 849 2200.