For Hope in Every Life appeal joins Northampton Carnival 

Staff and volunteers came together on Saturday to take part in the annual Northampton Carnival. 

It is the first time St Andrew’s has participated in the community event and provided the perfect opportunity for all those involved to raise awareness of the charity’s brand-new fundraising appeal For Hope in Every Life.  

Participants donned appeal t-shirts to light up the parade, handing out sweets, balloons and leaflets to those who had lined the carnival route.  

Many members of the public donated generously to the cause, and we will be able to share with you the final amount raised once all monies have been counted up.  

The troupe drew lots of attention, mainly because of the cars that joined the For Hope in Every Life section.  

Driven by members of Breaking Silence, the charity that regularly meets at Workbridge, where they use their gathering as an opportunity to share any mental health concerns they may have. 

The cars – which were covered in balloons – stole the show and many people recorded video clips posting on TikTok and other social media platforms.  

Fiona Bailey, Senior External Communications Manager, said: “The event was a huge success and the atmosphere was incredible. It really was a proud moment for all those involved to help raise awareness of complex mental health across Northampton.  

“Being our first carnival, there were a few learning points – mainly not working with hundreds of balloons in windy conditions!  

“The St Andrew’s crew had endless bouts of energy over the course of the three-hour carnival route and even made sure those who were celebrating birthdays felt special, singing happy birthday to them when spotted in the crowd. 

“They also managed to capture the Mayor of Northampton posing with an appeal banner, so that was a real highlight.  

“All attendees were very tired by the end of the day as we ended up walking 17,000 steps– so we’ve already decided that next year we will be on a float and we’ll be calling on patients, staff and volunteers to help decorate it so we can create a huge visual aid to raise awareness of complex mental health and the work we all do as a charity.”  

The Northampton Carnival, which was founded in the 1960s, has become an exciting and hotly-anticipated fixture in the town’s event calendar. 

This year's theme was Earth, Wind, Fire and Water and featured charities, schools, community groups and carnival troupes. 

Our troupe even made it onto the Chronicle and Echo’s photo gallery of the event.  

With special thanks to: Lisa Wright, Victoria Mitchell, Dawn Wright, Annie Ellard, Barry O’Toole, Michelle Kite, Tom Bodkin, Janelle Leone, Becky Smith, Dani Waples, Rafal Wozniak, Jane Civil, Adam King, Julie Nolan, Tracey Jenkins, Nicky Semper.