Torbay Baton of Hope
Torbay will welcome the Baton of Hope on Tuesday 30 September
What is the Baton of Hope?
The Baton of Hope is now one of the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiatives.
The Baton of Hope was devised by a national suicide prevention charity as a parallel icon to the Olympic torch – but one that celebrates mental wellbeing and honours the memory of those lost to suicide.
Local areas across the UK can bid to host a baton relay and hold associated events to raise awareness and commitment to suicide prevention. Torbay is the only area selected in the South West to be part of the 2025 national tour.
Why Torbay?
For several years, Torbay has been a significant outlier for suicide and self-harm compared to England and Wales.
Multi-agency partners coordinate their community suicide prevention activity via the Torbay Suicide Prevention Action Plan. One of the priorities of this plan is to harness passion, commit to collaborate and pool resources to reduce suicides.
Anyone can help prevent a suicide with willingness to listen and support but collective local and national action is needed to tackle the number of suicide deaths that happen annually.
The Baton of Hope brings together a high profile focus on suicide prevention and inspire more local action on this important issue for Torbay.
What’s planned?
Over 100 Baton Bearers will be carrying the Baton as a symbol of hope – whether that’s in memory of someone lost to suicide, suicide survivors carrying the baton for themselves or as suicide prevention advocates.
The relay walk will go through Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. Members of the public and local organisations are encouraged to support our Baton Bearers by standing along the route and cheering them along this emotional journey.
The Baton will start at the Torquay Hope Hub in Princess Gardens and will travel through Paignton and Brixham.
There will be wellbeing events along the route and the Hope Hub will be open throughout the day with a live tour screen, entertainment, refreshments and wellbeing related stalls.
The day will conclude with the arrival of the Baton at the Riviera International Centre, followed by the BIG Show of Hope – a night of Comedy, Magic, Music and most importantly Hope! This gala performance is open to one and all, and doors open 7pm. All profits will go towards local suicide prevention funding.
Partnerships and collaboration
Partnership working across the local public, business and voluntary sector has been fundamental to the decision to bid, support and deliver the Baton of Hope. Planning has been led by the Torbay Suicide Prevention Partnership and a dedicated steering group.
Many local organisations are actively involved in the delivery of the event. The full list can be found here.
Ask of partners
We’d welcome all opportunities for partners to support the event
This could include:
– Raising awareness of the event with staff, friends and family
– Pledging your organisation’s support to the Torbay Baton of Hope
– Buying tickets for the BIG Show of Hope at the Riveria International Centre
– Follow us on social media
The Torbay Baton of Hope Website is now live: https://www.torbaybatonofhope.com/
For further information please contact [email protected]
