Community groups and residents are invited to take part in an urban stroll to raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental health matters.

The event, which is being organised by public health officials at Trafford Council and partners at Lancashire Cricket Foundation, is part of Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope.

It will take place on Wednesday, September 18 from 1pm, with those who attend told meet at Gate 1 at Old Trafford Cricket Ground on Talbot Road, Stretford.

The route, which will last one hour, is set to go through Media City, past the Imperial War Museum North, and local waterways and is a great opportunity to people to chat, meet others, and enjoy some fresh air.

Free tea, coffee and biscuits for everyone will be provided after the walk by Lancashire Cricket Foundation in the historic pavilion.

Month of Hope is part of the Shining a Light on Suicide Campaign, which aims to bring the issue of suicide out of the dark and break the stigma that surrounds it. 

Now in its sixth year, events are taking place across Greater Manchester during the month which runs from World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 to World Mental Health Day on October 10.

Trafford Council is also encouraging residents to take up free training that could help themselves and others, including e-learning on helping others from the Shining a Light on Suicide website, shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/learn-to-save-a-life.

Cllr Jane Slater, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy, Independent Lives, said: “The Month of Hope is a fantastic event that is all about encouraging open conversations on suicide and people can do to help prevent it.

“We’re delighted to be having our own events in Trafford. We want as many people as possible to get their walking shoes on, come down, meet people, and enjoy a stroll and a cuppa with us.”

In Trafford, there are on average 15 people per year who die by suicide. Help is available to anyone who is feeling anxious and worried about themselves or someone else, or for those bereaved by suicide. 

The Samaritans are available any time on 116123 and Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can be reached on 0161 983 0902.