Walking into hope in Strabane

THE people of Strabane and surrounding areas will once more don their walking shoes to take part in the second annual ‘Walk of Hope’.

Last year’s mental health awareness event was a colossal success, with an estimated 2,000 people on the streets, raising over £8,000 for local charities and the hope is that this year’s walk, which takes place on June 20, will be just as successful.

One of the organisers behind the Walk of Hope, Debbie Deans says there is very much an appetite from the Strabane people to come together in this act of solidarity.

“We initiated this walk last year as an alternative for the Darkness Into Light which we took the decision to stop as Pieta House, which benefitted from the walk, cannot support people in the North,” Debbie explained.

“So many families in Strabane have been touched by the heartbreak of suicide, addiction and mental health so it was a no brainer to initiate another walk, such was the appetite for it and all are welcome. People with mobility issues are also encouraged to come along, even if they only did a part of the walk. ”

As with last year, three charities will benefit from the monies raised on the night; mental health organisation the Koram Centre, the Northlands Centre and Ballycolman-based Strabane Health Improvement Project (SHIP). Whilst Debbie says raising the money is important, she feels visibility is vital.

“We do love raising money but it’s more important that people do the walk, with the more people on the streets the better. Last year we had lots of youngsters joining in from all over and it was wonderful to see; these are the people who we need to be talking to, having conversations with them over the dangers that are out there and making sure they’re prepared.

“We’ve already been contacted by numerous families who wish to share their stories and encourage others to share theirs if they wish. There will also be plenty of literature available at Melvin on the night for people to take home.”

The Walk into Hope will begin at 9pm at Melvin on June 20.