The UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative, the Baton of Hope Tour, will arrive in Hereford on Wednesday 2nd October, bringing with it a powerful message of hope, support and community action.
The Baton of Hope, a specially designed baton symbolising the importance of open conversations about suicide, will be carried through the city by volunteers whose lives have been touched by suicide. The Hereford leg of the nationwide tour is one of many stops across the UK, uniting people in a shared mission: to reduce stigma around mental health, raise awareness, and save lives.
A community coming together
- In conjunction with Talk Community and Herefordshire Council, the Baton will be welcomed to Hereford with a day of activity involving local schools, businesses, and community groups. The route will pass key landmarks in the city, giving residents the chance to see and support it. Starting with a tractor run from the Hereford Livestock Market, the main walking route commences at Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College, travels through the city, and ends at Hereford Town Hall around 5pm — where there will be a celebration and creative showcase lead by students from Hereford College of Arts.
Expect community displays, the “Hunt for Hope” trail for under-5s, activity in public spaces, and messages or notes of hope made by local schoolchildren.
“This is about more than one day,” said Ben Wilson from Baton of Hope. “It’s about creating lasting change, giving people the confidence to talk about suicide, and making sure support is there when it’s needed most. By bringing the Baton to Hereford, we hope to inspire honest conversations and show that together, we can make a difference.”
How to get involved
Baton of Hope invites local people, businesses, and organisations across Herefordshire to be part of this important day:
- Community groups and schools can join the route, host events, or welcome the Baton with creative displays and activities.
- Businesses can pledge support by encouraging conversations in the workplace, hosting awareness events, or lighting up their buildings in Baton of Hope colours.
- Residents are encouraged to line the route, follow updates on social media, and share their messages of support.
Why it matters
Every year in the UK, thousands of families are affected by suicide – the biggest killer of men under 45 and of young people under 35. Baton of Hope’s mission is to ensure suicide prevention is a national priority, and that everyone knows it’s okay to talk about suicidal thoughts and to seek help.
For more information on the Hereford event, including the Baton’s route and how to take part, visit www.batonofhopeuk.org, email [email protected] or follow @BatonOfHopeUK on social media.
For more on Talk Community https://www.talkcommunity.co.uk/keeping-well-staying-healthy/baton-of-hope-2025/