'Walk for Life' planned for Downpatrick to mark World Suicide Prevention Day

by Gráinne Connolly

Community groups in Downpatrick are organising a 'Walk for Life' to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. 

It's a worldwide annual awareness day, which shows commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world. 

The theme this year is 'Working Together to Prevent Suicide'. 

On Sunday 16th September, Downpatrick District Electoral Area (DEA), in partnership with Flying Horse Ward Community Forum, Downpatrick Suicide Prevention Task Group and County Down Rural Community Network, is hosting the ‘Walk for Life’.

The event, which is FREE, commences with a Teddy Bear 1 km walk around the perimeter of Dunleath Park. 

This is followed by a famil fun day including bouncy castles, face painters and balloon modelling. 

The council says this is a great opportunity for families throughout the district to come together to show their support for raising awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.

In addition, local support groups will be available on the day to offer support and advice on Suicide Mental Health and addiction. 

These include, Policing & Community Safety Partnership, Life Change/Changes Lives, Suicide Down to Zero, Pips, Lifeline, the Samaritans, ASCERT and the local Men’s Shed.

Downpatrick DEAChair,Councillor John Trainor said, “This is the first time that local organisations and the Downpatrick DEA have come together to mark this Awareness Day and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

"Northern Ireland has the highest levels of suicide and mental health within the United Kingdom and it is extremely important that people know where to find the support being offered. 

"I would encourage as many people as possible to come along with their families, including teddies, to mark such a worthwhile cause.

"In addition I would like to draw people’s attention to two very important numbers that offer 24 hour support; these are Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 and the Samaritans on 116 123.

“The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and the local Health Development Team are encouraging as many groups, workplaces and individuals as possible to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.”

There are free shuttle buses from the following areas, numbers will be limited:Ballymote Centre 1.30pm; Stream Street 1.45pm; Meadowlands 1.35pm; Marian Park 1.45pm.