'It's about hope' - Suicide campaign arrives in Milton Keynes
The Baton of Hope is passing through 12 cities, and today is in Milton Keynes
A powerful campaign aimed at tackling the UK's high rates of suicide is in Milton Keynes today, as part of its tour of 12 major UK cities.
The Baton of Hope is an Olympic-style relay, which started in Glasgow on Sunday 25th, and will be arriving in London 12 days later.
The Baton will be carried by families who've lost loved ones to suicide, suicide survivors, campaigners and local figures passionate about reducing stigma about mental health issues.
More than 5000 people in the UK take their own lives every year.
Where in Milton Keynes is it stopping?
STOP NUMBER 1 - MILTON KEYNES ROSE 8:30
The first stop today is a ceremony at Milton Keynes Rose in partnership with Samaritans.
STOP NUMBER 2 - RIDE HIGH CHILDREN’S CHARITY 10-10:30
A procession of children and young people from the charity on horseback will be guiding The Baton.
STOP NUMBER 3 - 5ASIDECHESS 11-11:45
At Furzton Lake, you can play a quick game of chess before the 5asideCHESS Bus will escort The Baton on once again.
STOP NUMBER 4 - STADIUM MK 12-12:30
The home of MK Dons will be hosting the fourth stop of The Baton today. The Creating Hope; Preventing Suicide Conference will pause to welcome The Baton into the stadium. Mike McCarthy, co-founder of the Baton of Hope, and the Mayor and blue light services will say a few words.
STOP NUMBER 5 - RED BULL TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS 14-14:15
A Formula One Car escort is part of the next stop for The Baton. Oracle Red Bull Racing will carry The Baton through the campus to its next bearer.
STOP NUMBER 6 - TREE CATHEDRAL 16-17:00
The Baton of Hope website states Harry’s Rainbow will welcome The Baton at the Tree Cathedral and will be working with our young people to create messages of ‘Hope’ – an art project. Music will also be performed from the Alina Orchestra.
STOP NUMBER 7 - PEACE PAGODA 17:30 ONWARDS
The Scouts will be forming a Guard of Honour to welcome The Baton on the end of it's journey through Milton Keynes. Mind BLMK and CHUMS will be available to talk to anyone about the support they provide for those bereaved by suicide. The Baton of Hope will end the day with music on the Peace Pagoda stage, and words from Baton of Hope co-founder, Mike McCarthy.
"You're not alone"
Founder Mike McCarthy lost his son Ross to suicide - and says he hopes it sends a message that people can talk about their issues, and that those bereaved by suicide are not alone.
Speaking to our Mental Health Monday Podcast, he said: "Why did I not know, why does nobody know, that suicide is the biggest killer of young people in this country?
"For every suicide suicide there are family, colleagues, schoolmates, literally hundreds of people. We can tell people they are not alone, let's come together, let's speak with one voice.
"And if you're one of those people who are in that dark place, please stay.
"Because there are people out there who care, you are deserving of your place on this planet and there are people who are compassionate who want to help you."
Baton of Hope UK Tour
The tour starts in Glasgow on June 25th before heading around the UK
- Edinburgh - June 26th
- Newcastle - June 27th
- Sheffield - June 28th
- Manchester - June 29th
- Belfast - June 30th
- Cardiff - July 1st
- Bristol - July 2nd
- Birmingham - July 3rd
- Milton Keynes - July 4th
- Brighton - July 5th
- London - July 6th
Mike added: "There are lots of things out there that represent physical wellbeing - shields, trophies - but what's out there that celebrates mental wellbeing?
"Well this does, this is not about death and despair, it's about life and hope.
"We hope to raise awareness, smash the stigma, it's time for change because its only when you open up you realise there is help out there, there is support out there."
The Baton was put on show at an event in Parliament last month, which was visited by more than 100 MPs, as well as mental health campaigners - including our Where's Your Head At campaign.
It was hosted by Watford MP Dean Russell, a Where's Your Head At ambassador, and was attended by industry professionals and mental health campaigner (and former Love Island contestant) Dr Alex George.
Where's Your Head At returns to Parliament
The event also championed changes in UK workplaces that would see mental health issues given parity with physical health issues - something Where's Your Head At has been campaigning on since 2018.
Our petition secured a debate in the Commons after receiving more than 200,000 signatures.
Dr Alex told us: "The reason backing campaigns like this is important is because the way we get change happening is when enough people decide the status quo isn't acceptable anymore, when enough people get together the big people can't ignore it any more and that's why it's important."
Find out more about the Baton of Hope tour and the Where's Your Head At campaign.
Listen to the full story on the Mental Health Monday Podcast