FIVE local organisations who are all committed to raising awareness of suicide prevention and the need for conversations have teamed up for the HOPE 100 walk.
The lead organisation is Livewire Warrington Lifestyles team along with Warrington Speak Up, Warrington Wolves Foundation, Directions for Men and Warrington Veterans Community Support.
Organisers believe that through open conversations, active listening, asking questions, supporting people to access help, and challenging stigma around mental health, they can make a difference in Warrington.
The event takes place Sunday, 10 September 2023 starting at 03:00 at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Mike Gregory Way, Warrington, WA2 7NE.
The walk is happening for the 4th time but this year under a new name – it was previously called Darkness in to Light and started at the stadium in Widnes and finished at the Halliwell Jones.
This year it will be a circular walk starting and finishing at the Halliwell Jones. The walk is a 10.3mile route largely on designated public pathways such as the Trans Pennine, Black Bear etc.
For those who cannot walk the full distance there is a more accessible route starting at Victoria Park.
One of the organisers Pip Horne said: “We will walk through The Old Market in Golden Square where walkers will receive a bag containing resources and information to support wellbeing and suicide prevention. When we arrive at the stadium there will be various opportunities for reflection and remembrance such as our Trees of Light and remembrance wall. It is a very powerful, emotional and moving experience that many find helpful and healing.
“The name HOPE 100 was chosen because the International Association for Suicide Prevention who are the key instigators of World Suicide Prevention Day have the theme ‘Hope through action’ for this year. Also 1 in every 100 deaths worldwide is as a result of suicide.
“We are delighted that so many people from our local communities are gathering to walk together to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, 188 registered so far (maximum number of 300). The walk provides an opportunity to connect with people, have a conversation, share experiences, support one another or just to be silent and take time to reflect, knowing there is someone walking beside you,” added Pip.
This year’s event will include 2 starting points for the walk;
Arrival at 2.45am – The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, WA2 7NE (10 miles)
Arrival at 5.30am – Victoria Park, Knutsford Road, Warrington, WA4 1DJ (1.5 miles-accessible route)
Please note the minimum age for walking solo is 18 years old. Anyone between the ages of 12-17 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
To register visit https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/Hope100Walk
