Register now for BEAM Dawn Walk for Mental Health Awareness

BEAM Dawn Walk Organisers Hannah Graham, Clare Doherty, Zara Hutchinson, Katherine Murphy and Lee Kane preparing for the walk through Ballymoney on Saturday 17 May from 4am

Members of the community are being encouraged to register to take part in a Dawn Walk, raising awareness of mental health.

Hosted by BEAM, a new local group in Ballymoney, the walk will take place on Saturday 17 May, starting at 4am from the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre.

Registration is now open at www.beamballymoney.org or through the reception inBuilding Communities Resource Centre at the Acorn Business Centre, Garryduff Road.

Registration is free, and everyone is welcome to take part. A suggested donation to help cover the cost of the event is requested, but not necessary to participate.

BEAM – Building Empowerment & Awareness to Mind - was established by local community worker, Hannah Graham, to explore how to promote positive messages about mental health and sources of support across the town and surrounding area.

“I have seen the impact of the mental health challenges facing people right across our community,” Ms Graham commented.

“I hope our community here in Ballymoney, and from the surrounding area, will come together, to make connections and to show their support. We want to show that we are a community that cares,” she added.

The walk is not a fundraiser, but is designed to show those struggling with mental health challenges that support is available across the community.

Walkers will start in darkness, and move through the town as the sun rises. Properties along the route are asked to ‘leave a light on’ as the walk passes, to show their support.

The organising group is made up of Hannah Graham, Katherine Murphy (Building Communities Resource Centre), Zara Hutchinson (Ballymoney Community Fridge), Clare Doherty (Community Rescue Service) and Ballymoney Councillor, Lee Kane.

Building Communities Resource Centre is providing support for the event. Manager, Katherine Murphy, said:

“As a community, it is important that we are there to support each other. Right across Ballymoney, and beyond, people want to help, and to show that they are there to support others who are struggling.

“We know people will want to join us on this walk for a multitude of reasons. For many, it will be to show that support for others. Some may have experienced mental health challenges themselves. Others may have lost a loved one, andwant to walk in memory of them.

“Everyone, no matter their reason for taking part, is welcome to join.”

For more information and to register for the walk, visit www.beamballymoney.org