Hi, we are the Epping St John's Pastoral Team and we are hosting our first ever HopeWalk at Epping St John's to raise money for Papyrus, a national charity for the Prevention of Young Suicide. We have chosen to support Papyrus and raise awareness of the great work they do after the torrid year we have all faced thanks to Covid. Whilst researching the charity we were stunned to discover that over 200 school age children take their own lives each year in the UK. By supporting charities such as Papyrus, we hope that we can help reduce that number and provide support for those that need it.

For our first HopeWalk, 5 Staff members and 5 students from the Sixth Form will walk 20 miles in a day, 200 miles in total to represent the 200 school age children that take their own lives each year in the UK.

The walk will set off from Epping St John's and follow a route through the forest, across Chingford Plains and back to Epping High Street before returning to Epping St John's school field where we will complete the last 5 miles. On the 19th mile, we would like to invite 200 students from across the school to complete their own mile.

The walk will be taking place on the Friday 8th October to coincide with World Mental Health day on the following Sunday.

Please help us raise money and awareness of a fantastic charity that has worked tirelessly to help people, and who are experiencing increased demand during these uncertain times.
Below is a brief summary about the charity:

•    PAPYRUS is the national Charity for the Prevention of Young Suicide.
•    Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK, in 2018 over 1800 young people took their own lives. PAPYRUS provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINEUK
•    Every £5 raised can help pay for a life-saving contact to HOPELINEUK. Your donations really are lifesaving.