More than 60 local people who have been personally affected by suicide carried the baton when it travelled through Hereford on 2 October, supported by hundreds who walked alongside them for all or part of the 8km route through the city. 

The new video, available on YouTube, captures the emotion, courage and unity that filled the day, following the Baton’s journey from the powerful tractor launch at the Livestock Market, through the city, to the poignant finale on the Town Hall steps.

Herefordshire was the only county in the West Midlands selected to host the Baton of Hope. Its visit shone a light on the issues surrounding mental health and enabled us to emphasise the support available to anyone who is struggling.

Emily Lowe, Head of Communities at Herefordshire Council, says:

The film is a powerful reminder of what we achieved together that day. Behind every step of the Baton’s journey were stories of loss, love, resilience and a community united in compassion. It was a day when people came together to listen, to walk side by side, and to show that even in the darkest moments, hope can still shine through. My hope now is that those conversations continue long after the Baton has moved on.

Together with our partners on the Adult Better Mental Health Partnership Board, Herefordshire Council is committed to creating a culture of understanding and support around mental illness and to reducing the stigma around mental illness.

The council has recently published a new suicide prevention strategy that aims to reduce the number of suicides in Herefordshire. This takes a whole-county, whole-age approach and aligns with the priorities of the national suicide prevention strategy. The Herefordshire Suicide Prevention Working Group will oversee the strategy’s action plan, with key actions being delivered by partners within the group.

Councillor Carole Gandy, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing at  Herefordshire Council, says:

Having the Baton of Hope coming to Hereford was really fantastic. It was a great way to highlight the issues around mental health and to highlight the significant support available in the county for anyone who is suffering. 

However, it doesn’t – and mustn’t – end there. 

As a council, we are committed to working with our partners to provide support, help and hope to all those who are struggling with their mental health. Our new Suicide Prevention Strategy is just one critical part of this that we hope will result in more people understanding that suicide is not the only choice and that there is hope for the future.

The suicide prevention strategy can be viewed on the council’s website.