Warwick, 1st May 2025 – Bathed in golden spring sunshine and set against the serene beauty of Warwick Castle’s Peacock Gardens, SOS Silence of Suicide welcomed guests to its 2nd Annual Remembrance Evening – a poignant gathering to honour lives lost to suicide, support those left behind, and strengthen the collective call for prevention and understanding.

The evening brought together people from all walks of life – families, friends, mental health professionals, charities and local community members – in a powerful show of unity. With music, storytelling and silence, we remembered those we have lost and were reminded that grief does not have to be carried alone.

We were humbled by the courage of several attendees who took to the stage to share personal reflections of their loved ones. 

One mother said: “He was the light in every room – and when that light went out, ours dimmed too. But tonight, speaking his name, I feel him close again.” Another attendee shared: “It’s in moments like this, among people who understand, that you feel the silence begin to lift.”

To those who shared your stories – your strength and vulnerability touched every heart in the garden. Your words were a gift, and a reminder that healing often begins when we speak.

We extend our deepest thanks to the soulful Crystal Gospel Choir and the talented young performers from the Pauline Quirke Academy. Your voices carried the emotion of the evening with grace and power, echoing the stories shared and the love felt.

To Warwick Castle, thank you for once again providing the breathtaking setting of the Peacock Gardens, a place of peace and beauty that allowed space for reflection, remembrance, and connection.

To our partner charities — Kerry Parkin and Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS), Mind Warwickshire, Coventry & Worcestershire, PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, Safeline, and Warwickshire Search and Rescue — thank you for your collaboration, compassion, and commitment to standing beside those affected by suicide.

Special thanks to our guest speakers:

• Lady Colin Campbell, whose compassionate words called for openness, empathy, and ongoing support.
• Wendy Webster-Turner and Gary Turner, for bravely sharing their experience of personal loss and hope for the future.
• Tom Niblett from Warwick District Council’s Community Wardens, shared his own lived experience, and highlighted how he has turned this into a positive through the work his does as a community warden, highlighting the value of community presence and care.
• Kerry Parker from SOBS, whose empathy and wisdom were deeply felt by all.

SOS Silence of Suicide Co-Founder and CEO, Yvette Greenway-Mansfield, shared:

“This evening was a beautiful reminder that while loss may unite us in grief, it also connects us in hope. In these gardens, under the warmth of the sun, we stood together, not just in remembrance, but in a united effort to prevent future suicides. Every life lost leaves behind a ripple of heartbreak, affecting families, friends, colleagues, and entire communities. Events like this are a space for healing, for understanding, and for change – because silence should never be the last word.”

As the sun set behind the castle walls, it became clear: this night mattered – and it will continue to matter. We are pleased to announce that the Remembrance Evening will return in 2026, providing another opportunity for connection, support, and a collective vow to ensure no one faces suicide loss or mental health struggle in silence.