Community comes together for successful ‘Walk for a Life’ event in Taunton

Hundreds of residents from across Somerset came together today to participate in the third annual ‘Walk for a Life’ event in Taunton, to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September. The walk, organised to honour those lost to suicide and to raise awareness about suicide prevention, saw a diverse group of participants, including families, friends, and even pets, all walking in solidarity.

Photo by Livvi Grant

The event began at 10:30am with a moving welcome speech delivered by Christine from Yeovil and Sherborne Samaritans. Starting at the Quaker Meeting House on Bath Place, participants embarked on a walking route around Taunton, stopping at the afterlife bench in Vivary Park to lay flowers (donated by ASDA) for those that have been lost to suicide. The walk concluded back at the Quaker Meeting House, where attendees were invited to enjoy refreshments (donated by Tesco) and engage with local support services, including representatives from 14 different organisations, who were on hand to offer advice and support.

Photo by Livvi Grant

A key highlight of the day was the launch of Somerset’s first “Support Bench,” installed in Vivary Park as part of a broader initiative, developed in partnership with people with lived experience of mental illness, to place mental health support benches in strategic locations across Somerset and Devon. These benches, easily identifiable by their green colour and the words “come sit with us” on the back, are equipped with SHOUT and Samaritans numbers on plaques, as well as a QR code that links to various support resources, including options to call Samaritans, text SHOUT, listen or read the Somerset Letter of Hope, or visit the Open Mental Health website. The benches have been developed in recognition that it can be challenging for people in crisis to “reach out” as a community we need to “reach in” and provide different options to support people who are experiencing challenges with their mental health.

Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council, attended the walk and expressed his deep appreciation for the community’s involvement.

“Today’s turnout was a powerful reminder of how closely our community is connected by the issue of suicide,” said Cllr Revans. “There isn’t anyone in Somerset who hasn’t been impacted in some way, and it’s heartening to see so many people come together to show support, raise awareness, and take action. It’s through events like these that we can continue to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and offer hope to those who are struggling.”

Andy Pritchard, Chief Operating Officer at Mind in Somerset and Connect Somerset Champion, also spoke at the event, emphasising the importance of community support in suicide prevention.

“The impact of suicide is devastating and far-reaching, but today’s walk is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community. By coming together, we not only remember those we’ve lost, but we also create a supportive network for those who need it most.

“The addition of the Support Bench’s across Somerset is another crucial step in making support accessible to everyone. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who participated today and to those who continue to support our ongoing efforts to provide mental health services and resources across Somerset.”

The “Support Bench” initiative was spearheaded by the charity SAFE South West in collaboration with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, and supported by Open Mental Health’s Experts by Experience.

The ‘Walk for a Life’ event has grown in significance since it began in 2022, becoming a crucial part of Somerset’s collective effort to combat suicide and support mental health awareness. As participants gathered post-walk to share stories, seek support, and connect with one another, the event underscored the vital role of community in tackling these challenging issues.

For more information on how to get involved in future events or to access mental health resources, please visit Open Mental Health’s website or contact your GP.