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 Warrington Wolves Foundation along with LiveWire Warrington, Warrington Speak Up, Directions for Men and Warrington Veterans Community Support have organised the event on World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September) to encourage people to open conversations and challenge the stigma around mental health.
The event takes place Sunday, 10 September 2023 starting at 03:00am from The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Mike Gregory Way, Warrington, WA2 7NE, home of the Warrington Wolves.
The Hope 100 Walk is now in its 4th year under the new name following a rebrand as a result of consultation with previous walkers.
Hope 100 will be a circular 10-mile walk starting and finishing at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. The walk is a 10-mile route largely on designated public pathways starting in the dark and finishing at sunrise. 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 Shopping Centre where walkers will receive a bag containing resources and information to support well-being and suicide prevention.
“When we arrive back at the Stadium there will be various opportunities for reflection and remembrance such as our Trees of Light and memorial 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.
“The walk provides an opportunity to connect with people, have a conversation, share experiences, support one another or just 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