Downpatrick DEA Hosts ‘Walk for Life’ to Mark World Suicide Prevention Day

Come along on Sunday 15 September and help Downpatrick District Electoral Area (DEA) Forum mark World Suicide Prevention Day in a one kilometre ‘Walk for Life’ around Dunleath Park.

As part of this free family event, organised in partnership with Downpatrick Suicide Prevention Task Group and County Down Rural Community Network, you are invited to come dressed as your favourite superhero or princess and enjoy family fun packed activities between 2pm-5pm, which will include bouncy castles, face painters, balloon modelling and drumming.

In addition, local support groups will be available to offer support and advice on Suicide Mental Health and addiction.  These include Life Change/Changes Lives, Suicide Down to Zero, Pips Downpatrick, Lifeline, ASCERT and the local Men’s Shed.

Chairperson of Downpatrick DEA, Councillor Oonagh Hanlon said, “This is a great opportunity for our local organisations and the public to come together to mark this Awareness Day.

“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 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 0808 808 8000 and the Samaritans 116 123.”

World Suicide Prevention Day is an annual awareness day which is observed every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world. The theme this year is ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide'. If you would like any more information on the event please contact Katrina Hynds, Downpatrick DEA Co-Ordinator, 078 0383 2512 or Jenny Laverty, 02844 612311.