The University of Central Lancashire and the Mary O’Gara Foundation are encouraging staff, students, and members of the public to join a Hope Walk on Tuesday 8 October
The University of Central Lancashire has partnered with the Mary O’Gara Foundation and Papyrus to organise a lunchtime Hope Walk in Preston to highlight the important issue of suicide prevention.
Taking place on Tuesday 8 October, the looped walk will centre mainly around Avenham Park, will not take longer than an hour and is approximately two miles long.
Open to everyone, not just staff and students at the University, the walk will begin and end at the University’s Student Centre. Anyone wishing to take part should meet at 12noon for a 12.15pm start.
Paul and Sharon O’Gara set up the Mary O’Gara Foundation to honour the memory of their daughter who they sadly lost to suicide in 2020.
"We’re not afraid to talk about suicide and would love anyone living or working in the city of Preston to join our university community on the Hope Walk."
— Deputy Director of Student Services at the University of Central Lancashire Nicola Duncan
Mary was working in the NHS and three months into a Degree Apprenticeship course at the University of Central Lancashire when she very sadly took her own life. To those around her, she was bright, popular, had a good circle of friends and a good job. But she struggled with depression. As the foundation strapline says: ‘Look beyond the smile’.
Sharon O’Gara said: “Since Mary’s death we’ve made it our mission to raise awareness around mental health and the stigma attached to suicide. Although only at the University of Central Lancashire for a short period, Mary was extremely popular with her lecturers and fellow students and Paul and I are grateful that the University continues to support our campaign objectives.
“Last year we teamed up and set out 200 empty chairs on University Square in Preston to raise awareness of the 200 schoolchildren who take their own lives every year in the UK alone and never get a chance to fulfil their potential and go to university.
“The campaign achieved amazing coverage and reached a huge audience which we know is vital, as talking about suicide can save lives.”
"Mary was extremely popular with her lecturers and fellow students and Paul and I are grateful that the University continues to support our campaign objectives"
— Sharon O’Gara
Nicola Duncan, Deputy Director of Student Services at the University of Central Lancashire, added: “Suicide is the main cause of death in young people under the age of 35 in the UK but no one is immune. At the University of Central Lancashire we have a dedicated team of highly trained and experienced practitioners in mental health and wellbeing support. They deliver one to one and group support online and in person taking both a proactive and reactive approach.
“Positive mental health and wellbeing is central to life on all our campuses. Looking after ourselves and each other is vital to a healthy and successful university experience and is championed by all our staff and students.
“Suicide awareness raising and prevention is a leading priority for us. We’re not afraid to talk about suicide and would love anyone living or working in the city of Preston to join our university community on the Hope Walk.”
Walkers who complete the route will be rewarded with a goodie bag and refreshments when they return to the campus.
Event Details:
Date and Time: Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM BST
Location: University of Central Lancashire Student Centre, 43 Fylde Road, Preston, PR1 7DP
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Sign up: Register to join the walk via Eventbrite
The Hope Walk 2024 is not just a walk but a powerful statement of solidarity and hope. It provides a platform to discuss and understand suicide prevention, fostering a community of support and awareness.
Facts and Take Aways:
- Suicide IS preventable.
- Asking someone if they are having thoughts of suicide, will not trigger them to act on any such thoughts.
- Researchers have found that up to 135 people can be affected to some degree by every person lost to suicide.