Organise an event in your region

New Zealand and around the world

Wherever you are in the world, you can become a Champion of Change by organising a HopeWalk event for your community, city or region.

Becoming a Champion means that you are passionate about suicide awareness and prevention, and want to break the stigma around mental illness and suicide.

Below, you’ll find stories from other Champions, information on establishing a HopeWalk event in your community, and a form to contact our team if you’re keen to play a part.

Meet some of our Champions

Five key steps for organising a HopeWalk event

 

Step 1: Create a small team

A team of two or three can help you carry the responsibility for organising an event in your area.

Step 2: Launch your event and get media promotion

Launch the event for your chosen date each year, but make sure to promote well in advance to maximise this timeframe. Also ring, email and talk to media regarding what you are trying to achieve. An article is the local newspaper will go a long way to build credibility and promotion around the HopeWalk event for your area. Those of us at HopeWalk HQ in Auckland will also promote to all the groups we network with on our website and on social media.

Step 3: Make it about the people

HopeWalk was always created for the people, as it’s a movement by the people. So the more you can get people involved and give them a voice, the better it will be for your area event. People matter and they want to make a difference. All our Champions have been personally affected by suicide, so this makes suicide prevention a passion.

Step 4: Build a network by promoting other groups

Link in with your local suicide prevention agencies and promote their work, because unity and connection is important for impact and longevity. This may require research and calling around.

Step 5: Keep the HopeWalk values

At the heart of it all, HopeWalk is a movement of hope for those who have lost someone to suicide and for those who are struggling. We believe connection is better than isolation. This means if your community wants to provide items that will add to the event and support it, feel free to take the opportunity. A voice of the people for the people.

Keen to become a Champion of Change?

It would be great to hear from you.

If you’re interested in organising a HopeWalk event, fill out this form to begin a conversation with our team.