A powerful memorial installation lit up Liverpool’s Stanley Park this evening (Friday 13th March), with thousands of lights illuminating the space around the Isla Gladstone Conservatory to honour those who have lost their lives to suicide.
The initiative, titled Your Light Matters, sees 4,300 lights placed throughout the park, each representing a life lost to suicide within a year. The striking visual display aims to help people understand the scale of the crisis while encouraging compassion, conversation and greater awareness around mental health.
The installation will create a sea of light within the park, offering visitors a moment to pause and reflect while recognising the real people and families behind the statistics.
Highlighting the Reality of Suicide Statistics
The number of lights chosen for the installation reflects the stark reality of suicide among men in England.
Statistics show that around 12 men die by suicide every day, equating to roughly one death every two hours and approximately 4,300 deaths each year.
By transforming those numbers into a physical display of light across Stanley Park, organisers hope visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the human impact behind the figures and the importance of greater support for those struggling with their mental health.
The Story Behind Your Light Matters
The project has been organised by Joe Jones, a 34-year-old father of two and a survivor of a suicide attempt.
Following his time in hospital, Joe went on to establish Your Light Matters UK in November with the aim of raising awareness and encouraging more open conversations around mental health.
His personal experience has shaped the mission behind the initiative. Joe believes society needs to show greater patience, empathy and kindness towards people who may be silently battling their own struggles.
He has spoken about how children often enter the world naturally curious, kind and open, but that many lose that sense of compassion as they grow older due to pressure, judgement and misunderstanding. Through Your Light Matters, he hopes to remind people of the importance of slowing down and showing genuine care for others.
Supporting Mental Health Awareness
Donations are also being collected as part of the initiative to support both the memorial installation and wider mental health awareness efforts.
Funding raised will help cover the cost of the lights and support materials including educational resources, public signage, outreach events and digital signposting tools that aim to guide people towards available support.
When the Installation Takes Place
The free memorial installation will open to the public on Friday 13 March at 6pm until Sunday 15 March at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Stanley Park.
There will be an additional night put on this Wednesday, 18th March, from 6pm-9pm.
Members of the public are invited to attend, reflect and show support for those affected by suicide, while helping raise awareness of the importance of mental health support within the community.
Through the Your Light Matters display, organisers hope the message is clear: every life matters, and no one should feel alone in their struggles.
You can donate on the official JustGiving page here.
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