Walking in the dark at midnight - but hopefully bringing light to many Hartlepool people

Walkers strolled through the streets of Hartlepool at midnight to spread the word that they were ‘the light in someone else’s darkness’.
By Chris Cordner
Published 12th Sep 2020, 07:00 BST
Volunteers pause for a photo on the Midnight Walk.Volunteers pause for a photo on the Midnight Walk.
Volunteers pause for a photo on the Midnight Walk.

The inaugural walk, organised by the Minds For Men and Wellness For Women arm of Miles for Men, was held on World Suicide Prevention Day.

It took walkers from The Annexe in Wharton Terrace to the Headland and back and covered six miles.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Martin Connelly is the chairman of Minds for Men which aims to raise awareness of mental health issues, and offers support.

Hi vis clothing and glow sticks were encouraged to spread the message of light in the darkness.Hi vis clothing and glow sticks were encouraged to spread the message of light in the darkness.
Hi vis clothing and glow sticks were encouraged to spread the message of light in the darkness.

He said: “The walk was well attended and it was a great opportunity to make friends and have some great conversations.

“The lads involved all wore hi-vis and carried glow sticks to symbolise being the light in someone's darkness. It was a great experience and hopefully the first of many.”

The Hartlepool Mail told in April how Miles for Men had unveiled a new branch of the cause called Minds For Men.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Founder Micky Day described it at the time as ‘support during a time when there has been a rise in mental health issues over the last 18 months’.

The walk in progress.The walk in progress.
The walk in progress.

The Annexe is one of the groups already working alongside Minds For Men on the new initiative. Also on board with Minds for Men is the mental health support group Stags.

To find out more about Minds for Men, visit its Facebook page.

Miles for Men started in 2012 when Micky wanted to do something in memory of his father and suggested a sponsored run for men. ​

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Other projects have since been added including the Walk For Women and the Extra Mile charity shop.

Walking at midnight.Walking at midnight.
Walking at midnight.
Read More
Read more: Hartlepool electronics factory to make new 20-second Covid-19 test th...

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.

Related topics:WalkersHartlepoolStagsHartlepool Mail