Following months of preparation, the Baton of Hope is due to arrive in Hereford in just one week’s time (2 October).
The Baton of Hope is the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative to raise awareness around suicide prevention and mental health support. The Baton of Hope will be carried by 65 volunteers, all of whom have been personally affected by suicide. They will be carrying the Baton for an allocated portion of the route as a symbol of support and hope for the future.
One of the Baton bearers, Will, said:
Carrying the Baton next week will be an honour. Suicide is not a subject that is spoken about enough and raising awareness and opening dialogue about suicide is vital in saving more people from feeling that their only option is to take their own life.
The Baton of Hope will begin its journey through Hereford city with a tractor run from Hereford Livestock Market, Roman Road at 8.30am* on the 2nd. The walking element will commence at approximately 9.30am from Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College, Folly Lane, passing through the city and out towards Hinton before finishing at Hereford Town Hall on St Owen’s Street at around 3.30 pm. There will be some travel disruption along the route.
A programme of events has been organised along the relay route by the Hereford team. In High Town, many organisations will be running stands to offer information, signposting and support with mental health. You can also pop into Herefordshire Mind at Hefferman House, 132 Widemarsh Street to chat with more organisations that offer activities and support.
The Courtyard, Hereford Football Club, Hinton Community Centre and Hereford Cathedral are also supporting the event with lots of great activities and help on offer. Other events are being organised across the county in support of the Baton.
For full details of the route and activities programme, please visit the Talk Community website.
Along the route, children aged 5 and under are invited to take part in our ‘Hunt for Hope’ trail. Volunteers have been knitting and crocheting small ‘animals of hope’, for young children to find on the day. Each toy has a ‘message of hope’ attached that have been provided by children from Trinity Primary School in Hereford, as part of an activity on hope, happiness and well-being.
Trinity Head teacher, Mrs Manning, said:
Our children have put a lot of thought and care into writing their messages of hope, and it’s incredibly special to see them become part of something so meaningful. Knowing that their words will bring comfort, joy, or even just a smile to another child is a powerful lesson in empathy and community. We’re proud to support the Hunt for Hope trail and the Baton of Hope relay - it’s a wonderful way to celebrate kindness, connection, and the importance of looking after one another.
The Baton of Hope relay coincides with the launch of Herefordshire’s new Suicide Prevention Strategy. Written in collaboration with local partners and after public consultation, the Strategy is set to go to Cabinet today (25 September).
Councillor Carole Gandy, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing at Herefordshire Council, said:
It is such an honour for Hereford to be one of only 20 locations to be selected to host the Baton in 2025 – the only one in the West Midlands.
Our vision, outlined in the new Suicide Prevention Strategy, is to reduce suicides in Herefordshire and to make our county a place where there is hope and community connection. On average, 18 people every year have died in Herefordshire through suicide. In common with national statistics, three-quarters of these are men.
The Baton helps us to raise awareness about suicide and encourage dialogue about how we can support each other and offer hope to those who are most at risk. We hope that local people will get involved and support the event.
Suicide can affect any of us. If you are struggling with your mental health, there is a range of support available to you on the Talk Community website: Mental health and emotional wellbeing - Talk Community Directory.
In an emergency or where there is immediate threat to life, always contact 999.