Suicide prevention advocates unite

Suicide prevention organisation HelloHope is bringing together some of the UK’s leading mental health advocates for a powerful and uplifting event, ‘A Celebration of Hope’, taking place on Thursday 18th July at Nexus, University of Leeds.

The event will spotlight stories of survival, resilience, and action, featuring talks from lived experience suicide survivors and interveners.

Among the headline speakers are Jonny Benjamin MBE, award-winning mental health campaigner and a suicide survivor whose viral 'Find Mike' campaign has inspired millions worldwide.

Joining Jonny is Neil Laybourn, a globally respected mental health advocate whose life changed forever on Waterloo Bridge in 2008, when Neil intervened to support Jonny from suicide.

Since being reunited in 2014, the duo co-founded Beyond charity and have been instrumental in leading mental health campaigns and organisations, featuring on vast media platforms including Good Morning Britain and a Channel 4 Documentary.

Also showcasing her story is Sandeep Saib, an advocate, presenter and ambassador for multiple UK mental health charities; known for her open and intersectional approach to suicide awareness and honesty in sharing her experience as a suicide survivor.

The founders of Talk Your Walk Foundation will also provide entertainment after the talks – an inspiring trio of former professional rugby players, Suaia Matagi, Quentin Laulu-Togagae and Jesse Sene-Lefao. Their growing movement combines rugby, walking and conversation and an energy-building Haka-style routine to motivate event participants.

HelloHope will also launch a world-first suicide prevention platform at the event, as well as featuring a tabletop expo, networking, entertainment, music, food and drink – all rooted in the belief that hope and suicide prevention is both powerful and possible.

Ellie MacDonald, founder and CEO, who launched the Community Interest Company last year, comments: “My mission for the event is that people leave feeling inspired, having learnt something, but most importantly, having enjoyed the event and no longer feel scared discussing suicide.

“I’m determined to help lessen the stigma because when it comes to suicide prevention, there is a lot to be hopeful about. We know that most suicides are preventable so we’re having a celebration of hope to showcase our work in HelloHope’s first year, launch a game-changing suicide prevention platform and enjoy inspiring talks, entertainment and a real collaborative, community spirit.”

To book a place at A Celebration of Hope visit: https://www.hellohope.uk/a-celebration-of-hope/.