The BatonOfHopeUK is the UK’s biggest-ever suicide awareness and prevention initiative. The Baton – made by Thomas Ltye, gold- and silversmiths to the late Queen and makers of the FA Cup trophy – is touring the UK from Glasgow to London, finally being delivered to the Houses of Parliament on July 6.
The Baton in Lambeth
Baton of hope London journey
Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth Christopher Wellbelove will carry the baton into the gardens of St Thomas Hospital, accompanied by friends from Mosaic Clubhouse mental wellbeing charity. “This will be the only London stop with an LGBTQ+ focus and we want to invite the community to cheer on the baton and support this great cause”.
Creating a movement
Baton of Hope founders Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip made contact following the deaths of their sons. Steve said: “We were brought together through tragic circumstances – two fathers sharing grief. Each determined that the death of our sons should not be in vain. We could create a movement that we hope will stop so many people taking their own lives.”
Word from the Cabinet
Cllr Jim Dickson, Lambeth Cabinet Member for Healthier Communities
Cllr Jim Dickson, Lambeth Council Cabinet member for “Lambeth launched our three-year Suicide Prevention Strategy last year. A key message of the training we’ve shared is not to be afraid to talk about suicide – you don’t need to be an expert to save a life. Suicide kills more young men and women than heart disease or road accidents. The Baton of Hope does wonderful awareness-raising work and we’re proud that Lambeth is part of its journey.”
The London Route
The Baton’s other stops across London include:
- Emirates Stadium, focusing on mental health support in sport.
- Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre for a play based on Mike McCarthy’s story.
- A multi-faith event in Kensington Palace gardens.
- ‘Voices of hope’ at the Albert Hall performed by students to highlight how music can be therapy.
- A final public hurrah in Trafalgar Square before being delivered in Westminster.
More information
- For stories of hope, all the London locations and more see the Baton of Hope web pages
- For help and advice on suicide awareness:
- Samaritans – 116 123
- CALM – 0800 585858
- Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
- PAPYRUS (U35’s) – 0800 068 4141
- SWITCHBOARD (LGBTQ+) – 0300 330 0630
- See Lambeth’s Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan
(main picture shows Tees, Esk & Wear Valley healthcare team pose with the Baton of Hope early in its UK-wide journey)
