Islanders Invited To Join Three-Day Coastal Walk Supporting Suicide Prevention

People across the Isle of Wight are being encouraged to take part in a three-day coastal walking challenge next month to help raise awareness of suicide prevention and the importance of mental wellbeing.

The Walk for Life event will see Hampshire-based mental health campaigner Matt Holman, founder of HOLHUMAN and Simpila Wellbeing, walk around the Island's coastline between Friday 11th and Sunday 13th September.

Matt will be joined by his partner, Katie Le Flem, as part of his ambitious One Million Steps in One Month challenge, which supports the Baton of Hope suicide prevention movement.

The month-long challenge runs from World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September through to World Mental Health Day on 10th October, with the aim of encouraging people to talk more openly about mental health and the support available.

During the Isle of Wight leg of the challenge, Matt will cover around 70 miles over three days:

• Friday 11th September: Yarmouth to Ventnor (24 miles), starting at Yarmouth Ferry Port at 8.00am and finishing at The Spyglass Inn at around 6.00pm.

• Saturday 12th September: Ventnor to Ryde (23 miles), leaving The Spyglass Inn at 8.00am and finishing at Appley Tower at approximately 6.00pm.

• Sunday 13th September: Ryde to Yarmouth (22 miles), departing Appley Tower at 8.00am before finishing back at Yarmouth Ferry Port at around 6.00pm.

Residents are being invited to join the walk for as much or as little of the route as they like.

Matt said:

"Every step represents hope. Every mile is an opportunity to have a conversation that could change, or even save, a life.

"The Isle of Wight has an incredible walking community and a real sense of togetherness. I'd love local people to walk alongside us, whether it's for ten minutes, an hour or an entire day.

"Together we can remind people that they are never alone."

The campaign aims to highlight the benefits that walking and spending time outdoors can have on mental wellbeing, while encouraging people to check in on friends, family, neighbours and colleagues.

Supporters can get involved by joining part of the walk, cheering participants on along the route or helping to spread awareness of the campaign throughout September.

Those wishing to support the challenge can also donate via the campaign's JustGiving page or follow the journey on social media.