Walk and Talk event
on World Suicide Prevention Day
Tuesday 10th September
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is hosting a walk around Epsom Downs on 10th September to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day. This event supports the council’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan and aims to raise awareness of support and resources available to help those suffering from mental health issues or directly impacted by the loss of someone to suicide.
Funding has been allocated from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to We Power On to help residents access support in the borough. Chris, founder of the organisation, will lead the walk for adults aged 18 and above.
Immediately after the walk, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council will host another event where Chris will talk about his story and the importance of having support available for people suffering from mental health problems. A scribe will create artwork which will then go on a ‘tour’ of the borough ending up at the Epsom Picturehouse on 10th October to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Day.
Residents will need to register to attend - 50 spaces are available for the walk and talk, and a further 50 spaces for those who only wish to attend the talk.
End Stigma Surrey is also supporting this event, they are dedicated to raising awareness and reducing the stigma of mental health and are part of the council’s wider Suicide Prevention Action Plan.
Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee said: “Mental health issues can have a devastating effect on sufferers and those close to them. No one should have to face mental health challenges alone and it’s important as a council that we do all that we can to ensure vulnerable residents are informed, and can access, vital support when they need it.
Working with partners is an essential part of our Suicide Prevention Action Plan and I’d like to thank We Power On, End Stigma Surrey, and The Jockey Club for their support with this event.
I’d encourage anyone experiencing mental health issues to seek help. One life lost is too much.”
Chris, founder of We Power On said: “I’m pleased to be able to support the council with its walk and talk. Walking helped me especially during Covid lockdown and I’m looking forward to leading the walk across Epsom Downs and also sharing my experiences in the following event. It’s important for everybody to know that they’re not alone, encourage conversations and keep highlighting where those people suffering from mental health issues can turn to for support.”
More information can be found on the epsom-ewell.gov.uk/mentalhealth
This page also includes a link to the Event Registration Page (link is external)
- residents will be asked for their name, email and address (Epsom & Ewell Borough Council privacy and cookies information).
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 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’ 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. We Power On | Men's Mental Health Walk Talk Support | Epsom
About The Jockey Club
The Jockey Club kindly offered to host part of the event free of charge. The mission of The Jockey Club is to act for the long term good of British racing in everything they do. Under its Royal Charter, The Jockey Club has no shareholders and does not pay dividends, re-investing all its profits back into horseracing. Find Out About The Jockey Club & Our Racecourses
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. End Stigma Surrey – Let's end mental health discrimination in Surrey