Baton of Hope Sparks Action on Suicide Prevention
by Northern Life
The Baton of Hope will reach London on October
Businesses that supported the UK Baton of Hope launch in Blackpool on Monday, September 1st, are already taking steps to ensure its legacy in suicide prevention.
Almost 80 organisations attended a Fylde Coast Responsible Business Network (FCRBN) event at The Village Hotel, marking the baton’s journey before it reaches London on World Mental Health Day (October 10th).
Co-founder Mike McCarthy, who lost his son to suicide, moved many to tears with his message: “If you are a man under 50, a woman under 35, or a young person aged 10–19, the biggest threat to your life is you.
Mike McCarthy holding the Baton of Hope at the start of the Blackpool tour
If that’s not a priority, then what is? Where are the conversations? Where’s the focus on change?”
He described the baton as a symbol of hope, carrying Desmond Tutu’s words: “Hope is being able to see there is light despite all the darkness.”
Sam Southern of Empowerment, who was pivotal in bringing the Baton to Blackpool, urged communities and workplaces to take action: “We must prioritise human connection, support the bereaved, and dispel myths around suicide. Nobody is exempt, and prevention is everyone’s responsibility.”
Register interest in the Baton of Hope Workplace Pledge: batonofhopeuk.org/workplace-pledge
NorthernLife Sep/Oct/Nov 25
