Partners in Hull and the East Riding are coming together for a Festival of Hope, in aid of suicide prevention awareness. The week-long programme of themes and activities spans the wider local region, bringing people together to learn, reflect and practice mindfulness.
The festival begins on World Suicide Prevention Day, Wednesday 10 September, and runs until Monday 15 September – when the Baton of Hope will visit the neighbouring East Riding as part of its second ever tour across the UK, spreading the message of suicide prevention.
The activities taking place throughout the week are aimed at reducing the stigma that surrounds suicide, whilst offering a healthy safe space for people to come together and talk.
Wednesday 10 September: Walk for Hope
The festival begins with a Walk for Hope, led by Hull-based Fitmums & Friends, at 10am from East Park to the Humber Wellbeing Hub in Hessle. The walk provides a chance to talk with others and access support services stationed along the route.
Thursday 11 September: Business for Hope
Businesses are invited to get involved by encouraging and enabling their staff to complete a 20-minute on-line suicide prevention training course called ‘Let’s Talk’: www.talksuicide.co.uk
Friday 12 September: Hope in Education
Schools and colleges are encouraged to get involved by promoting mental health awareness through school activities and assemblies.
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September: Wellbeing Weekend
Humber Wellbeing Hub in Hessle is hosting a Wellbeing Weekend, with wellness activities from Tai Chi and yoga to meditation, sound bath and a nature walk.
Humber Bridge Parkrunners are invited to wear purple to help raise awareness and join in with the activities taking place.
Monday 15 September: Festival Finale
The festival will conclude with live entertainment and stalls at the Humber Bridge Car Park from 3pm.
At 4.30pm the Baton of Hope will arrive, supported by Humberside Fire and Rescue. Eleven Baton Bearers will each walk 200 meters with the Baton, led by Andy Airey from 3 Dads Walking. The Baton of Hope is touring the UK designed to inspire conversation, action and awareness. It aims to address the ongoing mental health crisis affecting individuals, workplaces and communities across the country.
Cllr Linda Chambers, Portfolio Holder for Public Health at Hull City Council, said: “One in four of us have mental health problems, and the stigma which can prevent people speaking out and seeking help, is the same stigma that surrounds suicide.
“The Festival of Hope is a vital and welcome opportunity to break down barriers, have difficult conversations and share the message that it’s OK to talk, and help is out there when you do”.
Councillor Jonathan Owen, Chair of East Riding’s Health and Wellbeing Board said: “Suicide is still the biggest killer of people aged 35 and under in the UK. It is an issue very close to my heart, having lost a loved one to suicide. For too long, stigma and silence have made it harder to reach those in crisis. It’s time to change the narrative – to speak out, to share hope, and to show that no one has to struggle alone.
“The Festival of Hope provides communities, businesses and education providers an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide prevention, reduce stigma and encourage strategies and action to help prevent suicide. Even the smallest things can make a big difference. It’s time for change.”
For support with mental health, speak to your GP, or contact Hull Mind 01482 240200, or visit: https://heymind.org.uk/. You can also get help from NHS Hull Talking Therapies: https://www.letstalkhull.co.uk/. Contact the Samaritans on 116 123 for help with suicidal thoughts, or other mental health problems.
