Derbyshire mum hosting 'Baton of Hope' event in Glossop

It's after her son took his own life in December 2016

Derbyshire County Council Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Team
Author: Olivia DaviesPublished 16th Sep 2023

A mum from Glossop is hosting a "Baton of Hope Celebration Event" in Glossop's Norfolk Square today - as part of the Glossop Suicide Prevention movement.

Angela Pownall was a Baton bearer in Sheffield during the Baton of Hope UK Tour, after her son took his own life in December 2016.

The event will be held from 10am – 2pm and Angela will be joined by a host of partners to support in raising awareness of suicide prevention: "We are luckily enough to be joined by wider partners from Derbyshire wide organisations offering; mental health support, men’s support groups, emergency services, children and young people support, live podcast, as well as activities for children and young people including a singing workshop from 11am – 12, all day crafts and much more.

"At 12:15pm we will have a performance from The Georgia Bird Foundation Choir who will be performing the Baton of Hope Anthem plus other musical guests throughout the day.

"We also have a group of people who will be walking around the town asking members of the public and employers to scan the QR code and sign up to the zero-suicide alliance free 20-minute training video

"We invite you all to join us on the day and take part in our day of celebration and hope."

Angela said: "There'll be an event shelter where people can go and write messages on a heart shaped piece of card, with a ribbon. We're going to put those on a board and display those. I'd like people to leave with the feeling that they know the community can support them.

"I would love to see the people in a town square in a circle holding hands, as an expression of 'we've got you, we are here'. We want to raise this suicide awareness but raise the awareness of creating a zero suicide alliance in the town."

If you need to speak to someone about your mental health - find services near you on www.hubofhope.co.uk

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