Baton of Hope UK

Baton of Hope is about opening up a national conversation about suicide to help eradicate stigma. An annual tour with the Baton of Hope takes place to create unity within the suicide prevention community. We have created “Charters” for the workplace and education highlighting best practice in suicide prevention and we’re establishing a gold-standard “kitemark” recognising employers who demonstrate such best practice.

How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?

By promoting transparency and openness so that discussion and conversation about suicide is “normalised”. Encouraging the media to prioritise suicide in true relation to it’s magnitude as a societal issue. We Tour the UK with a Baton as a symbol of hope that society can create change and create awareness in education and the workplace through charters which indicate best practice in suicide prevention.

What are your current priorities?

Awareness. Of the magnitude of the issue and the idea that we all have a responsibility and can help to save lives.

Unity. Encouraging people and organisations within the suicide prevention field to speak with one voice.

Expanding the charter programme.

Baton. Organising the next UK tour of the Baton.

What challenges are you currently facing?

Attracting funding.

Monitoring and responding to the volume of interest in what is a newly formed initiative.