The festival had a variety of acts to lead the dragon down Oxford Street and Portland Street, before heading into a celebration in Chinatown.

With thanks to the interviewees who spoke to me!

The year of the snake is just beginning for hundreds of communities, so what do some of these people think about the way it’s celebrated in Manchester?

I went into Chinatown and have created a radio package with interviews from Ting, Ivy and Robert.

Happy New Year! 🐍

With thanks to Richard Preston (artist), Callum Gallagher (Pub Owner) and Councillor Basat Sheikh for speaking to me to help create this TV package.

With thanks to all the interviewees that helped make this package!

With thanks to Rebecca who spoke to me about what she thought!

With thanks to Manuel who interviewed on his bus, during his break!

“It was my son who died by suicide” — The ‘Walk n Talk’ event organised by charity supporting mental health in Worcester

Worcester riverside, Walk n Talk' route 2024. Image: Dan Walters

Behind the Smile, Worcester, have organised a monthly Walk n Talk' for people suffering with their mental health.

They are a mental health charity setup in memory of William Zacharia Pritchard, known to friends and family as 'Zac', 29, who sadly took his own life in 2018.

The walk will take place on the first Saturday of every month and groups can walk around Worcester riverside, talking about their mental health or the landscape.

Mother to Zac and founder of Behind the Smile, Gaynor Pritchard, 63, said: "Some people will feel more comfortable to talk as they are having a walk around because it is less pressure.

"You could talk about what was on TV last night, you could talk about the ducks and swans in the river, or the trees and flowers.

"Or you can talk, if you feel free and able to, about what's going on in your life.”

Gaynor Pritchard speaks about her organised ‘Walk n Talk’. Dan Walters.

Roy Blendell adds his views on the organised walk around Worcester. Dan Walters.

First trustee of the charity, Roy Blendell, 62, said that people feel that Gaynor’s involvement with Behind the Smile is “authentic” and that work to organise events like this “is from the goodness of our hearts.”

He also said that the walk aims to provide a “safe space where people can just come and talk and be themselves and be accepted by others.”

First trustee, Roy Blendell (left) and founder of Behind the Smile, Gaynor Pritchard (right). Image: Dan Walters.

The loop around Worcester riverside means at the end of the walk, the group can stop at a small cafe by the river with a hot drink and cake with peace in their minds.

Members at the support group who regularly attend sessions organised by Behind the Smile say that walking in a natural landscape with people facing the same problems "definitely" helps.

Press here to view the walk route.

Emma Austin, a volunteer at the charity support groups, says the walk is “beneficial health wise” and stops people from “getting in their own head and overthinking.”

Volunteer Emma Austin speaks about mental health and why the walk is beneficial. Dan Walters.

A member of the group, known as Spike, said that the walk gave him an excuse to do something apart from sit at home and "watch life fly past the window."

Mrs Pritchard hopes the walk will grow and also hopes for greater involvement with the University of Worcester to aid people of a younger demographic who require help.

‘Walk n Talk’, organised by Behind the Smile, Worcester. Image: Dan Walters.

Mrs Pritchard and Mr Blendell also both expressed their needs for more resources, including volunteer support, so that more events like their Walk n Talk can continue if more people are involved.

In the weekly support session, this time about the inner-voice, Mr Blendell said: "Until you can say a definitive "no", you will never know you own voice and you'll never really know who you are."

Mr Blendell told me the members at Behind the Smile "really appreciate human connection."

In England and Wales in 2022, the charity says there were 5,642 deaths by suicide and Behind the Smile is working to reduce that number.

Press here to view my mental health infographic.

Behind the Smile also offer a support group every Wednesday from 2pm until 4:30pm at Friends Meeting House, Worcester. If you need support or would like to contact the charity, visit their website here.

[This was submitted as a first year University assignment]

[This was submitted for a first year assignment]

[This was submitted as a first year University assignment]