Darkness into the light walk to raise suicide awareness

Last year saw the inaugural ‘darkness into the light’ walk to help end the stigma around talking about mental health.

On average, 94 men in the UK die by suicide every week, culminating in more than 6,000 people each year, including an average of 19 people in Warrington.

Walking from night-time into the morning, the walk symbolises that there can be a move from dark to light, or from despair to hope.

It will be held on September 10 to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, with hopes high that many people in the area will take park.

“The walk, which is being organised by Get Warrington Talking and MoveMENt, aims to help end the stigma around mental health,” said MoveMENt advocate Ian McClure.

Volunteers to walk from ‘dark into the light’ to raise suicide prevention awareness

“We want people to be able to talk about the elephant in the room, which is suicide and the prevention of suicide.

“During the walk, we will be increasing the awareness of the local services and support available to people who may be struggling.

“We hope it will give an opportunity for many of the great groups and organisations in this town to promote what they do.

“We need a whole community response to the threat of suicide, so we therefore invite public bodies, voluntary sector organisations and community groups, businesses, and individuals to join us.

“Suicide is preventable – work with us to stop it.”

The event will see participants walk as a group from the DCBL Stadium in Widnes at 2.30am along the scenic banks of the River Mersey and the Sankey Canal.

Volunteers to walk from ‘dark into the light’ to raise suicide prevention awareness

There will be several pitstops before arriving at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, where members will hear a number of short stories that testify that the move from darkness to light is possible.

A beautiful song of hope will be performed by a local singer-songwriter and wellbeing advocate before the group shares breakfast barms, porridge and a warm drink together at around 7am.

For those who feel unable to complete this 8.8mile route, there will also be a separate joining point, at a later start time that is more accessible.

Equally, people are welcome to meet up at the Halliwell Jones Stadium for the end of walk ceremonies.

For more information, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/darkness-into-the-light-walk-world-suicide-prevention-day-fri-10th-sep-tickets-167452429725 or email movementwa@gmail.com