Suicide remembrance garden with a tree in the middle with yellow ribbon.

Unveiling of the new Remembrance Garden

Warning: this article deals with themes of suicide.
To commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day, a garden dedicated to the memory of loved ones lost to suicide was opened at Guy’s Hospital.

The Suicide Remembrance Garden was opened as part of a series of events aimed at raising awareness around suicide prevention

Guy’s and St Thomas’ deputy chief nurse Gemma Craig unveiled the garden in September which includes an established remembrance tree and a bench for quiet reflection.

Located next to the Memorial Arch at the Guy’s Hospital and King’s College London site, the garden offers a peaceful, private place for Guy’s and King’s staff, students, patients, and any visitors to the hospital to remember friends or family members they have lost.

The garden has been funded by a legacy gift from the estate of Lily Sterner which is held by Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity specifically for the purposes of mental health initiatives within the Trust.

"Our opening of this dedicated remembrance garden is just one of the ways we’re seeking to change the narrative on suicide, and I hope this peaceful new space inspires us all to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide."

Jackie Waghorn, the Trust’s mental health lead, who has led on the creation of the new garden.

“The more freely we speak about suicide, the less stigmatised it becomes and the more able people will feel to tell someone and ask for help if they are experiencing thoughts of wanting to end their life. It is important to recognise that asking someone about suicidal thoughts and intentions will not put the idea in their head – in fact, research shows the opposite to be true. Asking a person clearly and directly about suicidal thoughts will offer them the opportunity to tell you how they feel. People who are struggling or have felt suicidal will often say what a huge relief it was to be able to talk about what they were experiencing.”

Suicide is a major public health problem with far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences.

It is estimated that there are currently more than 700,000 suicides per year worldwide, with each suicide profoundly affecting many more people.

For more information regarding suicide prevention and where to locate advice and support, please visit the Guy’s and St Thomas’ website.

Advice and support

Guy’s & St Thomas Charity is proud to help raise awareness around suicide prevention. Donate today to support our ongoing efforts in meaningful change.

One-off donation Regular donation

Please enter an amount £