Put your best foot forward and join charity beach walk

Swansea University is urging volunteers to come and help with its annual fundraiser to help raise money and suicide awareness.

HOPEWALK 23 will take place on Sunday, October 22 in in aid of PAPYRUS, the suicide prevention charity which offers confidential support and advice to young people.

Organised by the University’s Wellbeing and Disability Service, the three-mile circular beach walk starts and finishes at The Secret Bar and Kitchen on Oystermouth Road and anyone who wants to take part should meet there at 10am.

Back in 2019 when the University hosted its first event just under 100 people turned up to take part and since then it has continued to go from strength to strength, succeeding in raising thousands of pounds despite the challenges of the pandemic and stormy weather.

Once again this year the Wellbeing and Disability Service is hoping members of the University and local community support the good cause.

Swansea University’s Head of Inclusive Student Support Services Holly Fisher said: “At Swansea University, mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention is a priority and partnering with vital services such as Papyrus allows us to develop in these areas. We are thrilled to support such a pivotal message and contribute to reducing the stigma around suicide and raise money for an excellent cause.”

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.

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

For further information please contact Carl Ely

Caption: Some of the walkers who took part in last year’s HOPEWALK event.