Swansea University is once again hosting a special walk to raise suicide awareness – and hopes a change of date will encourage even more people to come along this year.
This year’s HOPEWALK, organised by suicide prevention charity PAPYRUS, is taking place along Swansea seafront on Wednesday, May 21 at 5pm.
This is the seventh time the University’s Campus Life team has been involved in hosting the event which aims at raising suicide awareness and letting people know about the support that is available.
Organisers welcome donations towards the charity’s work and are also encouraging students, staff and anyone interested to come along and take part in the three-mile circular walk.
Throughout May, PAPYRUS is holding HOPEWALKS across the UK to raise awareness of suicide in young people.
Student Life’s mental health and counselling manager Sian Bengeyfield said: “Suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people in the UK. Our goal is to raise awareness and ensure that young people are aware of how to access the support available to them.
“We are proud to support the vital and life-saving work that PAPYRUS provides to young people within our community.
“While this event is traditionally held in October, we are confident that the revised date will encourage even greater participation. It offers a valuable opportunity for people to come together for a peaceful walk along the seafront. We warmly welcome all members of the public to join us, as PAPYRUS support is not limited to students.”
PAPYRUS believes that many young suicides are preventable and operates HOPELINE247, a confidential call, text, and email helpline for young people with thoughts of suicide or those of any age concerned about a young person who may have thoughts of suicide. Every £1 raised goes towards paying for a potentially life-saving contact to HOPELINE247.
The event will start and finish at The Secret Beach Bar and Kitchen, Mumbles Road, Swansea, and will take walkers to Blackpill and back.
If you would like to take part in the Swansea walk you can register online now or for further information email Carl Ely, from the University’s Welfare@CampusLife team.
You can also donate towards the charity’s work here