The Baton of Hope tour is coming to Lincolnshire in 2027 – and we need your support!
The Baton of Hope is a national campaign to prevent suicide, raise awareness and save lives through change. Visiting schools, workplaces, towns and cities around the country, it aims to start conversations about suicide prevention.
Next autumn, the Baton will travel to 21 areas across the UK, with Lincolnshire hosting the Baton on 17 September. It will be carried hand-to-hand along a local route, surrounded by the people working to prevent suicide in their communities.
Lincolnshire County Council is among a wide range of local organisations that will be supporting the tour during its time in the county.
The local organiser is Jenni Swift, founder of the charity Evelyn’s Butterfly Effect. She said: “We’ve supported the Baton of Hope from the very start and bringing it to Lincolnshire feels incredibly meaningful. Lincolnshire is a beautiful but geographically vast county, and too many people face isolation, loneliness and barriers to accessing support. Stigma around mental health and suicide still stops people from reaching out.
“The Baton of Hope offers a chance to change that — to spark conversations, raise awareness and remind people that hope and help are always within reach.”
Cllr Steve Clegg, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health, added: “The Baton of Hope is an opportunity to start open and honest conversations that can save lives. The tour is about bringing communities together and reminding people that it’s ok to ask for support when they need it.
“Every suicide is a devastating loss. That’s why we’re working hard to ensure people can get the support they need. The HAY Lincolnshire website offers a wide range of help for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings. There’s also support for those affected by suicide, and advice on how to have a potentially life-saving conversation with someone you’re worried about. Reaching out can save lives.”
Anyone interested in volunteering or supporting the Baton of Hope in Lincolnshire should complete the short form at https://forms.gle/UzWRD8HTtxgFphf9A or email Jenni directly on lincolnshire@thebatonofhope.org. You can also join the local Facebook group for updates: www.facebook.com/groups/thebatonofhopelincolnshire/
For more information on the mental health support available in Lincolnshire, visit https://haylincolnshire.co.uk