THE Aisling Centre is organising a Cuilcagh Mountain Dawn Trek to mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2021, taking place on Saturday, September 11 at 7am.

World Suicide Prevention Day, which first started in 2003, is observed annually across the world on September 10.

It aims to start a conversation about suicide and promote a worldwide message of hope. This year’s theme is ‘Creating hope through action’, and Aisling Centre, in Enniskillen, hopes that organising this event will encourage people who may be considering ending their lives to talk to someone and to remind them that there is help available.

Locally, along with the Aisling Centre (028 66 325811), you can talk to your GP and the Samaritans (116 123), and Lifeline (0808 808 8000) helplines are available 24/7.

People will choose to do the trek for many different and personal reasons. Some may come to remember a loved one, others as part of their own recovery, some may enjoy the challenge, while yet others will attend to show solidarity and support for people who are struggling with their mental health.

For everyone, it will be an act of self-care, an opportunity to connect and ground themselves while enjoying the many benefits of being out in nature.

Cuilcagh Mountain stands 2,182ft (665 metres) above sea level; the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail showcases the scenic wilderness of the mountain and the breath-taking views of the surrounding lowlands.

The Boardwalk Trail has made Cuilcagh Mountain quite accessible, but Iain Kennedy, Chair of Aisling Centre Fundraisings group advises that it remains a challenging trek and "a reasonable level of fattiness is needed".

Anyone interested in taking part in the trek can register online at https://bit.ly/3AM74pL or by contacting the Aisling Centre directly. Numbers in organised groups using the Cuilcagh Boardwalk are limited by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council so early registration is advised.

Aisling Centre is dedicated to the promotion of positive mental health and emotional well-being and provides a professional counselling and psychotherapy service in Co. Fermanagh and the surrounding area. For further information contact the Centre on 028 66 325811 / info@theaislingcentre.com / www.theaislingcentre.com