Ballymoney lights up to show support for mental health
- Love Ballymena
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
More than 200 people took to the streets of Ballymoney in the early hours of this morning, Saturday 17th May, to show solidarity with those experiencing mental health challenges.
The Dawn Walk, which began at 4am in darkness and ended in the light of dawn, marked a powerful gesture of hope and community support.
The walk followed a peaceful route along the Greenway, through Riverside Park, and up Main Street, culminating in a special breakfast gathering at Ballymoney Town Hall.
The event was organised by local mental health initiative BEAM – Building Empowerment and Awareness to Mind, and aimed to raise awareness of mental health issues while fostering unity within the community.
“This morning was such a special one. We are overwhelmed by everyone turning out, in the middle of the night, to join the walk. But, it shows how important this issue of mental health is for our community, and how much people want to show we are a community that cares,” commented Hannah Graham, one of the event organisers.
Participants included residents of all ages, local organisations, and supporters from neighbouring areas, all united in a collective effort to spotlight the importance of mental wellbeing.
“We are so grateful to everyone across the community in Ballymoney, and beyond, for all their support for the Dawn Walk. This has been a huge community effort, and we are so thankful to everyone who helped in any way to make it such a success,” added Hannah.
The event has been widely praised for creating a safe and uplifting space to speak openly about mental health — a topic that continues to affect individuals and families across Northern Ireland.
Organisers hope the Dawn Walk will become a recurring event in Ballymoney’s calendar, helping to normalise conversations around mental health and ensuring no one feels alone in their struggle.
For those in need of support, BEAM provides resources and assistance for mental health and wellbeing. More information can be found at www.beamballymoney.org.