Step out to support suicide prevention charity

A beach walk to raise money and awareness of suicide in young people returns to Swansea later this month.

Swansea University’s Wellbeing Service is hosting HOPEWALK 2022 on Sunday, October 30 in aid of PAPYRUS, the suicide prevention charity which offers confidential support and advice to young people.

It will be the fourth time the University has organised the three-mile circular beach walk which will start and finish at The Secret Bar and Kitchen on Oystermouth Road. Anyone who wants to take part should meet there at 10am.

Almost 100 people joined the first event back in 2019 and even during Covid socially distanced walkers stepping out at locations of their choice collected nearly £1,000.

This year the Wellbeing Service is hoping members of the University and local community will turn out in force once again.

Swansea University’s Wellbeing and Disability Manager Holly Fisher said: “We rely on connecting our students with PAPYRUS for specialist advice, support, and information around suicide. The work they do for young people is vital and we are thrilled to continue our partnership and raise awareness with this event.”

PAPYRUS area manager David Heald said: “Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under 35 in the UK and we must reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by breaking down the stigma around suicide and equipping people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.”

During October each year, HOPEWALKS take place across the UK to raise awareness of suicide in young people.

He added: “HOPEWALKs raise money and awareness to help us continue this work supporting young people and those who work with them. We are grateful to Swansea University for our ongoing partnership helping to save young lives together.”

Register now for the Swansea event or you can donate to PAPYRUS via JustGiving

For further information please contact Carl Ely

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