University hosting ‘Silence of Suicide’ evening with Michael Mansfield QC

Michael Mansfield QC will be bringing his ‘SOS – Silence of Suicide’ awareness initiative to the University of Gloucestershire’s Park campus on 17 November. A defence lawyer for some of the most controversial legal cases the country has seen, Michael started the initiative after his daughter, Anna, committed suicide in May 2015.

Following Anna’s funeral, Michael was astounded by the number of people in attendance who had been personally affected by suicide and yet felt unable to talk about their experiences owing to society’s stigmatisation of the subject. Michael, who in his professional life has represented such clients as the Orgreave miners, the family of Stephen Lawrence and relatives of victims of the Hillsborough disaster, decided it was time to put an end to the taboo and break the silence over suicide.

Working with his partner, Yvette Greenway of Anna Christian events, Michael launched the ‘SOS – Silence of Suicide’ initiative in July 2015. The evening will start with a short film dedicated to Anna, then continue with a facilitated discussion addressing the stigma of suicide, and offering support to anyone affected by suicide by bringing them together to share experiences in a non-judgmental environment. Attendees are invited to share their own experiences, ask questions or simply listen, whatever they feel most comfortable with.

‘SOS – Silence of Suicide’ will be at the University of Gloucestershire’s Park Campus on Tuesday 17 November 2015 and starts at 7pm. To book a free place, please visit: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sos-silence-of-suicide-initiative-2-tickets-18385799421?aff=ehomecard.