Baton of Hope tour comes to Tameside and aims to raise awareness of suicide

Tameside is set to host a leg of the Baton of Hope, the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative.

This event, part of a nationwide tour, is being organised by The Anthony Seddon Fund, on September 12, and aims to spark conversations about mental health, challenge stigma, and inspire action toward a zero-suicide society. 

Baton of Hope was founded by Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip, both of whom have lost sons to suicide.

The Baton will travel to 20 locations across the UK in September, hoping to engage communities in lifesaving conversations and raising awareness about the support available to those in need. 

Tameside has a vital role to play in this movement. This event is a unique opportunity for the local community to come together, break the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, and ensure no one feels alone in their struggles. 

Applications are now open for people who would like to be a Baton Bearer during the Tameside leg of the tour.

Baton Bearers are those with inspiring stories of hope, resilience, or lived experience. 

There is a £20 application fee to support the initiative; however, this is not compulsory for those who may face financial difficulties. To apply, batonofhopeuk.org/become-a-baton-bearer 

Ben James, General Manager of The Anthony Seddon Fund, said: "Hosting the Baton of Hope in Tameside is a chance for our community to unite, share stories, and create lasting change. We encourage anyone inspired by this movement to get involved as a Baton Bearer, help out in any way they can, or have a conversation about mental health." 

The Baton of Hope will travel through Tameside on a specially planned route, engaging key landmarks and communities along the way. Full details of the route, including start and end points, will be announced soon.The Anthony Seddon Fund provides informal mental health support to people in Tameside with mental health issues, as well as to their family, friends, and carers. This is done through a variety of peer support groups, therapeutic activities, and holistic therapies at The Anthony Seddon Centre in Ashton. 

The charity currently has over 30 volunteers and 7 full-time staff members, offering mental health support 5 days a week to advance awareness and promote education in all areas relating to mental health and wellbeing within the local community. 

The Baton, designed and crafted by renowned goldsmiths Thomas Lyte, symbolises unity, resilience, and hope.