A Salford resident has received the Mayor’s Citizen Award for his work in suicide prevention within the community.
Dennis Baldwin, 55, was presented the awarded by the Ceremonial Mayor Tanya Burch for his dedication to helping members in Salford.
Dennis, who is an attempt survivor has since dedicated his time to the community becoming a beacon of inspiration.
The award was given to Dennis for his efforts to create change, give a voice to people in the community and save lives being lost to suicide.
Dennis said: “I am a suicide attempt survivor and that was has driven me to get in this suicide prevention work.
“I started going to START in Salford as a part of my recovery programme, a place for those suffering with mental health issues like myself.
“From there I started volunteering, before they employed me, which was really good of them.”
Through his time working with START, he was asked to set up a celebration for 25 year of the charity, and wanted to create something with a legacy, which became Reach Out; Start to End Suicide.
His effort in the community has been vital for those in Salford, as he continued: “This programme has become helpful in talking to people and empowering them to start conversations around suicide.
“It doesn’t matter how good our mental health services are, if we don’t get people who need help it becomes a pointless exercise.”
Throughout his time working in the community, he has offered a helping hand for those to discuss suicide prevention, and spot the warning signs.
As he continued: “It is a traumatic time, and lonely time but that is where I come in to spot the warning signs and help the community.
“I want to help give people the help that they need.”
Throughout his work, the charity also host vigils in remembrance of those who died to suicide that take place on World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10.
He added: ” This year we had 144 flags at the precession, one for each life lost to suicide in Salford over the last five years.
“It is quite a powerful experience. It is because there is so much isolation in the community.”
Dennis continued: “We don’t know how to talk about death at the best times, and when it is a sudden death like suicide, people often avoid the topic of conversation.
“It can often leave people feeling isolated and suicidal, and we want to break that cycle.”
Through the charity, Dennis, START, and Reach Out; Start to End Suicide have aimed to help the community through creative opportunities and engaging people with similar experiences.
“It is important to have people come together and share there experiences so that we don’t feel alone.”
Yesterday our very own @drbbaldwin who leads @reachoutstes was awarded the Mayors Citizen Award in recognition for his work around suicide prevention in the community. We could not be prouder! 🥰 Congratulations Dennis! https://t.co/LdHbXDP0Jm
— START (@STARTinspminds) January 8, 2025
And Dennis’ work hasn’t gone unnoticed, with the award being presented to him on January 7 2025, he was also praised by the Mayor of Salford Paul Dennett, who said: “This is so well deserved.
“Thank you Dennis Baldwin for everything you do with START Inspiring minds and Reach Out; Start to End Suicide.
“Across numerous initiatives through-out the year, committed to fostering awareness, support & the prevention of suicide in the City of Salford.”
Dennis’s actions were also praised by Salford MP Rebecca Long Bailey MP, who added: “Congratulations Dennis Baldwin on your award, thoroughly well deserved!”
A vital member of the community and well deserved of recognition for his support for those across Salford – you can more information about the work of the charity here.
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