Alice's photo courtesy of Veronika ()
Our STEP UP Challenge is just six weeks away! This is a month-long event welcoming people from all prefectures across Japan to join us in stepping up for mental health.
Sadly the first half of this year has already seen 1,206 more lives lost to suicide compared with the same period last year. This includes the death of Alice Hodgkinson, a British school teacher who went missing at the beginning of July. TELL Ambassador BJ Fox attended a memorial service for Alice organized by her friend Veronika Danovich on July 24. Friends and people from the local area participated in the memorial, sharing memories and stories of Alice. BJ spoke about the warning signs a person may display, resources that can support someone struggling with suicidal thoughts, grief, and unanswered questions those who loved Alice are left with.
On September 10 (World Suicide Prevention Day), TELL will start off the STEP UP Challenge with a walk from our Tokyo Office at 18:30 to Yoyogi Koen, where we will light a candle at 8 PM in remembrance of Alice and all those who have lost their lives to suicide.
The theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is “creating hope through action.” The STEP UP Challenge is a perfect opportunity to work as an individual or group to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness and create some much needed hope for the future, letting those who are struggling know they are not alone.
TELL invites businesses, schools, community organizations, and individuals to join in walking 21,081 steps in honor of the 21,081 lives lost last year to suicide. Each participant and team can pick a day between World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) and World Mental Health Day (October 10) to complete their challenge. The event will continue to offer corporate, community, and school cup competitions for 2 - 4 people teams. Although this is a walking challenge, we invite participants of all abilities to join and interpret the challenge in a way that makes sense to them. Join us in creating hope and shattering the stigma around mental health.
Together or remote, as a team or as an individual, STEP UP and make a difference by raising money and awareness to help take the TELL Lifeline Services to 24/7. Every step you take can help save lives.
Adults: ¥1,500 / Kids( 12 & Under): Free / Team: ¥6,000
The first 500 people to register will receive a STEP UP mask.
For more STEP UP information and to register visit here. For further information or sponsorship opportunities, please email: development@telljp.com
