Posted on: 23 July 2025
Sensitivity warning: this article discusses suicide, a sensitive topic that may impact on the reader. If you need support, please refer to the suicide prevention resources for West Yorkshire.
More than 100 people, including colleagues from the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, came together in Leeds on Friday, 18 July for a ‘celebration of hope’, an event focused on suicide prevention, mental health awareness and community connection.
The gathering marked one year since the launch of HelloHope, a Leeds-based initiative aimed at equipping individuals and communities with the confidence and tools to support mental wellbeing and intervene before crisis point. The event reflected on progress made over the past year and looked ahead to future plans, including the announcement of a new digital platform designed to offer accessible suicide prevention resources.
Sally Lee, Programme Manager – Improving Population Health, said: “Creating an emotionally safe and respectful space, the event emphasised the importance of non-stigmatising language around suicide and mental health. It struck a careful balance between reflection, awareness and celebration - fostering a collective sense of purpose and hope.”
Event highlights included:
- video stories highlighting powerful moments of suicide intervention and recovery
- panel discussion featuring mental health advocates including Jonny Benjamin MBE, Neil Laybourn, Sandeep Saib, Adam Pike and Bob Hood
- a ‘talk your walk’ performance by former rugby league players Quentin Laulu-Togagae and Suaia Matagi, combining storytelling with lived experience
- live music, networking opportunities, exhibitions and a balloon pop raffle
Sally added: “The event made it clear how vital it is to give people the confidence and tools to support others before things reach a crisis point. It made me realise how powerful it is when we turn everyday conversations into life-saving interventions. This event wasn’t just inspiring - it was a reminder that we can all play a role in preventing suicide.
“Training and community-based initiatives like these continue to play a crucial role in tackling suicide and poor mental health, offering practical support to workplaces, schools and the wider public. The shared commitment to compassion, connection and early intervention remains central.”
Founded by Ellie MacDonald in 2024, HelloHope offers practical, accessible training sessions delivered by experienced and qualified mental health professionals. Visit the HelloHope website to find out more.