On 10th September, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council hosted a Walk & Talk event at Epsom Downs Racecourse to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. Over 65 people, including residents and representatives from voluntary and statutory organisations, joined this insightful, moving and inspirational event, developed and delivered as part of the council’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan, produced in January 2024.
Chris Waller, founder of We Power On, led the walk around Epsom Downs. Dale Millar MBE from the Samaritans opened the second part of the evening talking about skills used in conversation and the impactful nature that this can have. Joe Stroud from End Stigma Surrey talked about the negative impact that silence can have and how we, as a community, can stand together to break the chains of stigma around mental health. And finally, Chris shared his own experiences including the importance of being able to talk openly. Cllr Clive Woodbridge, the Chair of the Council’s Community and Wellbeing Committee, also joined him to discuss his journey from crisis to hope.
Local scribe, Annalees Lim, designed boards and captured key messages at the event. These boards will be shown at locations around the borough, starting at the Epsom Downs Racecourse and finishing at the Epsom Picturehouse around 10th October to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Day. More information to follow.
Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee said: “I’m proud that through our Suicide Prevention Action Plan, we’ve been able to provide a platform for residents and organisations to come together and have conversations about mental health and suicide, and also raise awareness of where support and resources can be found for those suffering from mental health issues or directly impacted by the loss of someone to suicide.
A huge thank you to We Power On, Epsom Downs Racecourse, End Stigma Surrey, the Samaritans and to the scribe who captured messages at the event. Thanks also to everyone who volunteered their time at the event. Without the support of all the volunteers and supporting organisations, this event would not have been possible. We look forward to continuing building on these relationships for the benefit of those who need our help the most.
As Chris himself said, “there is hope, and there is help out there”.
Funding was allocated by the council from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to We Power On to help residents access support in the borough. Chris, founder of the organisation, led the walk for adults aged 18 and above.
For more information on some of the mental health support and resources available across Epsom & Ewell - https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/resources-support is broadly based on the 6 priorities outlined in the refreshed Surrey Suicide Prevention Strategy 2023-2026 that was republished in March 2023 by Surrey County Council.
About We Power On
We Power On is a men’s mental health walk, talk and support group based in Epsom Surrey. They are leading the council’s walk and talk events for men and women across Epsom Downs and at The Jockey Club.
About Epsom Downs Racecourse
Epsom Downs Racecourse kindly offered to host part of the event free of charge at The Jockey Club. Their mission is to act for the long term good of British racing in everything they do. Under its Royal Charter, they have no shareholders and does not pay dividends, re-investing all its profits back into horseracing.
About End Stigma Surrey
End Stigma Surrey is commissioned by Surrey County Council Public Health and delivered by two respected mental health charity organisations: Catalyst Support and Mary Frances Trust. They are dedicated to raising awareness and reducing the stigma of mental health and their mission is to provide free resources, engaging content and comprehensive training to foster a supportive environment for mental health in the community.
About the Samaritans
The Samaritans has almost 20,000 trained listening volunteers on the end of phone to answer calls for help. Around 2,500 volunteers support the running of more than 200 branches and locations across the UK and Ireland. Over 1,300 people in prison volunteered as trained Listeners. They are available day or night for anybody struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure not only in crisis but also to prevent the crisis by giving people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others.
About Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan
In response to the relatively high prevalence of suicide within the borough, in March 2023, the council’s Health Liaisons Panel supported the development of a Suicide Prevention Action Plan. Epsom & Ewell BC’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan
