Derry community encouraged to attend 'Walk of Hope'
The 'Walk of Hope' will take place in the city from Ebrington Square to the Guildhall on Friday, April 25
A 'Walk of Hope' will take place in the city from Ebrington Square to the Guildhall on Friday, April 25.
The 'Walk of Hope' is part of the "Making Hope Happen" initiative, a partnership with RESILIO and North West Community Network supported by the Western Trust and Derry GP Federation Multidisciplinary Social Work Teams and endorsed by the Mayor of Derry. This also marks a significant milestone as Derry City and Strabane District Council embark on becoming the First District of Hope during a time of uncertainty and despair for many.
Primary seven classes from throughout the district have been invited to participate in designing a flag of HOPE and the winning flag will be carried by young people at the front of the march.
The flag will be presented to Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, followed by a number of activities – a HOPE Human Library, HOPE Workshops and music. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Individuals, groups, schools, workplaces are encouraged to organise their own HOPE event in the lead-up to Friday, April 25.
These events will provide opportunities for individuals to activate hope by coming together.
Welcoming the news, Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, said: “I am delighted to support this initiative. We would encourage everyone to support the HOPE event on Friday, April 25 in the Guildhall. This dynamic initiative is a testament to our commitment to fostering a culture of optimism, resilience, and progress within our communities and beyond.”
Roisin McLaughlin, Manager of North West Community Network said: “Making Hope Happen embodies a spirit of collaboration, and unity and this has been evident by the number of groups who have come on board to activate this initiative across the District. We encourage everyone to come and join us on Friday, April 25.”
Director of Resilio, Marie Dunne, said: "We are delighted to have the support of the Western Trust who are facilitating a HOPE Chat Tea Train on April 16, as well as Ulster University who are also hosting a HOPE event.
“Through the collective efforts of RESILIO, North West Community Network, we hope to make a lasting impact on our communities by fostering a culture of hope and resilience. A community where hope is not just a concept but a lived reality and together we will activate the power to uplift, inspire and transform lives.”
Shona McEleney, GP Social Work Assistant said: “Our GP Multidisciplinary Teams are delighted to get involved this year with the District of Hope initiative.
“As part of the Walk of Hope event on April 25 we have organised a Chat Tea Train of Hope event on April 16 which helps to connect older people from the Derry area and promotes social and emotional wellbeing.
“Participants will have the opportunity to discuss what hope means to them and how they can help support their own mental health to create a Sunflower montage. We are looking forward to participating in this wonderful Walk of Hope event on April 25 and would encourage everyone young and old from the Derry City area to come along and take part in the many events over the coming months. If you plant seeds of Hope you can see it flourish!”