Sunrise walk to mark the launch of Suicide First Aid

Monday 07 June 2021

Guernsey Mind will be holding its first Walk of Hope this weekend to mark the launch of its new suicide prevention strategy.

The walk will start at 04:00 on Sunday 13 June at the Vale Castle.

Training Manager and Community Coach Chris Chamberlain said the Walk of Hope is designed to raise awareness around suicide.

"Guernsey Mind are launching suicide first aid in Guernsey as a key part our suicide prevention strategy," he said.

"Suicide is a confronting subject and yet sadly most of us have been touched by it in some way. Guernsey Mind believe we can tackle the issue at a community level which requires a community response to prevention throughout the Bailiwick.

Pictured: Walkers will meet at Vale Castle at 04:00 this Sunday. 

"Anybody can learn the skills to spot the signs and take a different approach to suicide by keeping people safe, the more people who have these skills the safer our communities will be for preventing suicide."

The 5k walk to Mim's kiosk at La Vallette aims to increase awareness of this new initiative. The walk begins just before sunrise, so that walkers will walk into the light of the sun rising.

This is the path that Guernsey Mind wants to help people take; going from a dark and often lonely place into the light. 

"We want everybody who needs support to feel that is someone out there who will listen, hear and understand," said Executive Director Emily Litten. 

"Often that person isn’t someone you know, but someone independent who can provide support with compassion, sit by your side and simply be with you when you most need it."

Pictured: Guernsey Mind Executive Director Emily Litten. 

"Thoughts about suicide are common, the difference between thinking about it and acting on it could be just one conversation and one outstretched hand. As we have seen over the last year, we are a kind and caring community, and all of us can make a difference, not just the experts and professionals."

Alderney Mind is also arranging a walk for the same day, starting at the same time and walking from Longis car park to the Braye Beach hotel. All walkers will be greeted by bacon rolls and tea and coffee. 

Many local football teams, including Guernsey FC are walking together to highlight the importance of suicide awareness. A number of people involved with the club will be taking part in the walk in memory of former player, Scott Bradford, who tragically took his life recently.

"We are very proud to have Guernsey Mind as our charity partner, a partnership which is now more important than ever," said GFC Director Nic Legg. "We will be working closely with Guernsey Mind in the coming months on a number of initiatives to provide support to both our players and the wider club community."

We managed to raise a total of £2527.72 for @GuernseyMind comprising of £1811.40 in takings and £716.32 in donations, thank you everyone ???? pic.twitter.com/Y5arqGDKz4

— Vijay Wiltshire (@vijaywiltshire) May 23, 2021

Pictured: Roll Bar Owner and local footballer Vijay Wiltshire recently raised money for Guernsey Mind in memory of former teammate Scott Bradford. 

Praxis IFM has made a donation in supporting this inaugural walk, while the Lions Club and the Braye Beach hotel have covered the costs of Alderney's walk. 

To register for the walks please see the links below: 

Guernsey walk: Walk of Hope Tickets, Sun, Jun 13, 2021 at 4:00 AM | Eventbrite

Alderney walk: Alderney Walk of Hope Tickets, Sun 13 Jun 2021 at 04:00 | Eventbrite

Guernsey Mind’s Campaign Co-ordinator Maddy Diligent said that over 250 people have registered to date.