Publish date: 27 June 2024
In support of Armed Forces Week, a piece of artwork is on display at our Peasley Cross site, produced by artist and ex armed forces member, Chris Whittle. Stack of Stones (SoS) is in the reception of Harry Blackman House for the next few weeks and visitors to the site are welcome to drop in. SoS is a memorial to military personnel and veterans who have taken their own lives. Its purpose is to make people aware of the suicide rate, not only in veterans, but in serving military personnel. It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness and promote suicide prevention.
SoS consists of over 75 white pebbles, each representing a serving military person and a military veteran, who has taken their life, each year. Placed in the middle are names of those who have taken their lives.
Government figures state that an average of 50 veterans have taken their lives each year from 1996 to 2018*. Information on social media and from veteran groups, suggest it’s more likely that this figure is exceeded by at least 25 veterans and serving personnel each year.
Similar pieces are also situated at St Helens Town Hall and will be available at the Ignite Your Life event on 12 July 2024 in Warrington. It’s hoped that the artwork gains interest and shares a clear message: A Veteran is for Life, not just for Serving.
*New figures were due to be released in November 2022 but have been delayed.