Ballymoney’s BEAM Dawn Walk issues appeal for knitted lightbulbs

Ballymoney’s BEAM (Building Empowerment & Awareness to Mind) is calling on the community to rally together and contribute knitted lightbulbs for its upcoming Dawn Walk, a poignant event aimed at raising mental health awareness.

Scheduled for Saturday, 17 May 2025, the walk will see participants receive a knitted lightbulb as a symbol of hope and solidarity, but organisers urgently need more donations to meet demand.

The group has expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who have already contributed, BEAM founder and local community worker Hannah Graham stating, “A huge thank you for everyone who has been knitting the light bulbs—it means the world to us.”

To ensure every walker leaves with a keepsake, BEAM is appealing for additional knitted lightbulbs to be dropped off by Wednesday, 14 May 2025, at the Building Communities Resource Centre, Units 22-23 Acorn Business Centre, 2 Riada Avenue, Ballymoney, BT53 7LH.

“We’ve decided to give one to everyone at the end of the walk, as a little reminder of the BEAM Dawn Walk,” the Hannah added. For those unable to knit, BEAM encourages sharing the appeal to spread the word and ensure the initiative reaches as many people as possible.

A Symbolic Gesture for Mental Health

The knitted lightbulbs are more than just a craft project—they represent the light of hope and community support for those facing mental health challenges.

The Dawn Walk, starting at 4am from the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, is designed to foster connections and highlight available mental health resources in Ballymoney and beyond. Participants will walk through the town as the sun rises, with properties along the route encouraged to “leave a light on” in a show of solidarity.

Local community worker Hannah Graham established BEAM, aiming to promote positive mental health messages across the region.

Hannah reflected on the initiative’s purpose, saying, “I have seen the impact of the mental health challenges facing people right across our community. I hope our community here in Ballymoney, and from the surrounding area, will come together, to make connections and to show their support. We want to show that we are a community that cares.”

Community Support at the Core

The appeal for knitted lightbulbs has become a focal point of community engagement, with knitters across Ballymoney stepping up to contribute.

The Building Communities Resource Centre, a key supporter of the event, is serving as the drop-off point for donations.

Manager Katherine Murphy, part of the organising committee, emphasised the inclusive nature of the event, stating, “As a community, it is important that we are there to support each other. Right across Ballymoney, and beyond, people want to help, and to show that they are there to support others who are struggling.”

The Dawn Walk itself is free to join, with registration open at www.beamballymoney.org or through the Building Communities Resource Centre at the Acorn Business Centre, Garryduff Road. While the event is not a fundraiser, a suggested donation is welcomed to help cover costs.

How to Get Involved

BEAM is urging knitters to contribute lightbulbs by the 14 May deadline to ensure every participant receives one. Donations can be dropped off at the designated address in Ballymoney, and those unable to knit are encouraged to share the appeal with friends, family, and local crafting groups.

“We are so grateful for all the support we’ve received so far,” Hannah reiterated, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm for the cause.

As Ballymoney prepares for the Dawn Walk, the call for knitted lightbulbs underscores the power of collective action in supporting mental health awareness. By contributing a lightbulb or spreading the word, residents can play a vital role in ensuring the event shines brightly for all.

For more information or to register for the walk, visit www.beamballymoney.org.