HOPEWALK: Charity beach walk aims to raise money and awareness of suicide in young people

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

Swansea University’s Wellbeing Service is hosting HOPEWALK 2021 on Sunday, October 31 in aid of PAPYRUS, the suicide prevention charity which offers confidential support and advice to young people.

The three-mile circular beach walk will start and finish at The Secret Bar and Kitchen on Mumbles Road from 10.30am.

A University’s Wellbeing Service spokesman said: “We’re delighted to host our third HOPEWALK  and proud to support PAPYRUS’ work in keeping young people safe from suicide.  We share it mission to equip our community with the skills to recognise and respond to young people at risk of suicide.”

Almost 100 people took part in the Wellbeing Service’s first HOPEWALK in 2019 which raised more than £1,000 and last year a special bubbled HOPEWALK – which saw socially distanced walkers stepping out at locations of their choice – also managed to collect nearly £1,000. 

This year the Service is appealing to members of the University and local community to get involved once again. 

He added: “As well as fundraising to support PAPYRUS’ vital work, HOPEWALKS are an opportunity to bring together members of our community affected by suicide.” 

Ryan Hole, from The Secret Bar and Kitchen, sponsors of this year’s event, said: “We were really pleased to be asked by Swansea University to get involved in this event.  We are always keen to support charities that benefit our local community.  The brilliant support PAPYRUS offers young people certainly falls into that category. The walk should be a great event for all who take part.”

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

Register now to take part in HOPEWALK or if you can donate to PAPYRUS via Just Giving page 

(Lead image: Swansea University)