Sunderland churches join prayer walk to highlight mental health

A prayer walk that focused on the mental and spiritual wellbeing of the Sunderland community was attended by more than 50 people. 

The aim of the Walk of Light was to highlight concerns about the amount of people suffering from poor mental health and pray for those crossing bridges across the city, especially if they are in state of distress. 

Taking place on 31 October, the walk was organised by the three Salvation Army churches across the city, Sunderland Monkwearmouth based in Roker Avenue, Sunderland Citadel in Cairo Street and Sunderland Millfield in Rutland Street, with representatives from Sunderland Minster, Sunderland North Methodists, Church of England North Wearside, and St Mary’s RC church. 

People gathered at Sunderland Minster in High Street West, with the walk moving to the Keel Crossing bridge, which opened earlier this month, and finishing on Wearmouth Bridge. 

Captain Jon Doyle, who leads Sunderland Millfield Salvation Army, said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in the Walk of Light. Sunderland, like many cities, has its fair share of bridges and for many of the churches in the city the bridges cause us much concern. It is said that one person every week attempts to end their own lives by jumping from a bridge.

“A number of ministers from the churches in the city meet every Tuesday morning, praying for our city, and it was there that we felt we needed to do something as an act of witness to highlight our concerns for the physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of all who cross the bridges every day.

“So, 50 members of local churches across the city walked with lights, starting from the Minster, over Keel Crossing and Wearmouth Bridges, stopping to pray at a number of points along the way.

“Prayers were led by leaders from The Salvation Army, Methodist church, Church of England and Roman Catholic churches. Prayers of light, life and hope. Psalm 91 was read, as we prayed for God’s protection over every person using the bridges.” 

The walk ended with refreshments served by The Salvation Army’s Emergency Response Van.

You can find out more about The Salvation Army’s work in Sunderland by searching for your local church here https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/map-page