Pictures John Hopkins
WARRINGTON came together in powerful numbers at the weekend for the annual Hope 100 Walk, with the Mayor of Warrington and Charlotte Nichols MP among those showing their support for suicide prevention and better mental health.
The event brought together walkers, volunteers, community organisations and supporters at the Asics Stadium on Victoria Park, with a sea of yellow high-visibility vests creating a striking sight as participants gathered beneath the distinctive blue and yellow balloon arch.
The Mayor Councillor Sagheer Zaman, was pictured meeting walkers and volunteers and taking part in the community event, underlining the importance of tackling the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.
The Hope 100 has become an important annual event in Warrington’s calendar, encouraging people to start conversations, listen to one another and offer support to those who may be struggling.
The event is held in connection with World Suicide Prevention Day, which takes place on September 10.
The latest walk featured a strong turnout from across Warrington, with participants ranging from experienced walkers to people simply wanting to show their support.
For some, the event provides an opportunity to remember loved ones lost to suicide. For others, it is about supporting friends, relatives or colleagues who may be experiencing difficult times.
The message behind Hope 100 is that conversation, connection and simply being there for somebody can make a difference.
Warrington has a long-running partnership approach to the event, involving organisations including Warrington Speak Up, Warrington Wolves Foundation, LiveWire and other community groups.
Mayor Sagheer said: “I was proud to attend HOPE 100 event raising vital awareness for suicide prevention here in Warrington.
“HOPE 100 is a partnership of local organisations and the community, working together to support better mental health and suicide prevention across our borough.
“This walk was a key to Suicide Prevention Strategy. It helped build confidence to have those life-saving conversations and highlighted the brilliant support groups we have here.
“By talking, listening, breaking stigma and signposting help, we move closer to our goal: zero suicides in Warrington.
“It was lovely to connect, share, support one another or simply walk together, knowing we’re not alone.
“Thank you to everyone who took part.”
Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols has also been a long-standing supporter of the event.
She said: “Suicide prevention isn’t just the work of professionals, it is something we can all be a part of. I’ve had my own experiences with suicidal ideation and feel passionately about the fact that every suicide is preventable with the right support – one conversation can save a life and be the first step towards someone getting the help they need, and it can start with something as simple as “how are you doing?”. The more of those conversations we all have, the more we can ensure that we have a culture locally where no-one feels forced to suffer in silence through shame or stigma.
“If you’re worried about someone or if you need help yourself, support is available.”
The Hope 100’s message is particularly relevant as organisers continue efforts to challenge the stigma around suicide and mental health.
The event encourages people not to wait until somebody reaches crisis point before asking how they are.
Sometimes, organisers stress, simply asking “Are you OK?” can be the start of an important conversation.
And with the Mayor and MP joining members of the community, the event once again demonstrated that suicide prevention is not simply the responsibility of health professionals – it is something in which the whole community can play a part.
Warrington Speak Up says that through open conversations, active listening, asking questions, helping people access support and challenging stigma, communities can make a difference.
