Wigan Borough showing the power of hope

Wigan Borough showing the power of hope

Runners from the council's public health team with representatives of SOBS at the Wigan 10k

By Councillor Keith Cunliffe, deputy leader of Wigan Council and cabinet portfolio holder for adult social care and health

Last weekend’s Wigan 10k was another fantastic showcase of everything that makes our borough special. From the thousands of runners who took on the challenge, to the volunteers, spectators and supporters lining the route, it was a day filled with determination, generosity and community spirit.

I was particularly proud to see more than 40 colleagues and partners from across our Suicide Prevention Partnership come together to run in support of Samaritans and Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS).

Staff from our public health team were joined by representatives from the NHS, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, We Are With You and other organisations, all united by a shared commitment to raising awareness and support for suicide prevention.

While the runners were striving for personal bests, the real achievement was the message they carried with them. Every mile completed and every pound raised helps to shine a light on an issue that affects too many individuals, families and communities.

Their efforts come at an important time as Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope gets underway. Running from World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September to World Mental Health Day on 10th October, the campaign encourages all of us to have open conversations about mental health, challenge stigma and help people understand that support is available.

The initiative forms part of Greater Manchester’s wider Shining a Light on Suicide campaign, which promotes the simple but powerful message that talking about suicide can help save lives.

Here in Wigan Borough, we are taking a lead in suicide prevention and, earlier this year, became the first local authority in the country to formally adopt the Hub of Hope as part of our efforts to improve mental wellbeing outcomes for residents.

This free mobile app brings together around 14,000 local, national, NHS, community and voluntary sector services, helping people find the right support whenever and wherever they need it.

But one of the key messages behind the Month of Hope is that everyone has a role to play. You do not need to be a healthcare professional or mental health expert to make a difference.

Sometimes it is the smallest acts of kindness, taking the time to check in with someone, listening without judgement or simply showing that you care, that can have the greatest impact.

I would like to thank everybody who supported our runners and the charities involved. Samaritans and SOBS provide invaluable support to people experiencing crisis, as well as those who have been affected by suicide loss. Their work changes lives every day.

The Wigan 10k demonstrated what can be achieved when organisations and communities come together behind a common cause. As we move through the Month of Hope, let us continue that momentum by looking out for one another, sharing hopeful messages and reminding anyone who may be struggling that they are not alone.

Together, we can help build a borough where hope is stronger than stigma and where everyone knows support is within reach.

Visit Hub of Hope (external link) or download the Hub of Hope app from the App Store (external link) or Google Play (external link).