Walk Out of Darkness This Weekend
Join Battersea Park walk to help end the stigma of mental illness
There’s still time to sign up for the fourth annual Walking out of Darkness event this weekend to help end the stigma around mental ill health.
The May 13 walk through central London ends in Battersea Park and aims to highlight the discrimination faced by those experiencing mental illness..
Wandsworth Council is an official supporter of the event, organised by the mental health and suicide prevention charity CLASP.
The 10-mile walk will mark the end of National Mental Health Awareness Week. It starts at Battersea Park Bandstand and passes iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament before ending back in Battersea Park.
There a Mental Health Festival will feature information stalls from mental health charities and services. Food and drink will be available, plus activities for families.
Mental Health and suicide prevention campaigners Jonny Benjamin MBE, Neil Laybourn and Telegraph Journalist, Bryony Gordon will be joining walkers.
Event founder Kenny Johnston said: "I hope we will build on the success of the previous events in London and see a great day where people can come together to increase mental health awareness, suicide prevention and end mental illness stigma with the understanding that you are not alone and together we can make a difference."
The Mayor of Wandsworth Cllr Richard Field said: “Wandsworth is delighted to support this event in order to raise awareness of an issue that affects a fifth of borough residents at any one time. Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression are common but it is estimated that only one in four get the support they need. Events such as this are vital to reduce the stigma around admitting to a mental health problem and seeking help.”
Registration costs £10 and participants can fundraise for any UK mental health charity they chose. For more information and details on how to register, or if you are a mental health charity interested in taking part, visit the www.walkingoutofdarkness.com
Information on local mental health services can be found on the council’s Adult Care Information Service or the Wandsworth Wellbeing Hub.
If you are concerned about mental illness or suicide speak to your GP immediately.
May 10, 2017