Following the huge success of its first tour in 2023, the Baton of Hope has been working with teams across the UK for an even bigger event in 2025. With its “Stand Up To Suicide” message, the touring Baton of Hope arrived in the East Riding on Monday, September 15.
The baton’s arrival coincided with the finale of a Festival of Hope, which saw many people across Hull and the East Riding come together in aid of suicide prevention awareness. The festival began on World Suicide Prevention Day.
Baton bearers and supporters were out in force, helping to promote honest conversations about mental health. Veterinary nurse Alison Clark, of North Ferriby, was one of the baton bearers for the local leg of the journey.
Ahead of her participation, Alison, bereaved six times by suicide, said: “It is important to tackle the stigma around suicide and mental health, and we should not be afraid to talk about it.” The Baton of Hope arrived at the Humber Wellbeing Hub, at the Humber Bridge, and the event culminated in a candlelit vigil.
The Baton of Hope will continue its tour of the UK, inspiring conversation, action and awareness and aiming to address the ongoing mental health crisis affecting individuals, workplaces and communities across the country. It is due to conclude in London on October 10.
READ MORE: Vet nurse carrying Baton of Hope in memory of three dearly missed friends lost to suicide
If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support, the Humber Wellbeing Hub has a list of crisis lines to call. Click here to see all of the contact details.