Baton of Hope in Portsmouth today

The Baton of Hope is the UK's biggest ever suicide prevention initiative, taking place in 20 locations and is travelling through Portsmouth today. (26 September)

Over 100 residents will carry the Olympic torch-style baton through the city. Among them are firefighters and emergency workers, foster carers, local business owners, support workers, and others all affected by suicide in some way.

Together, they offer a message of hope.

Jo is a foster carer with Foster Portsmouth, author and business owner. She said:

"I'm a survivor of suicide attempts 27 years ago when I was a very, very poorly young mum. Thankfully I had the right help, and in 25 years of recovery I've achieved quite a lot. I'm carrying the baton to give hope to other people, to show there is life after poor mental health. There is help out there, if you're struggling, please reach out."

Simon is from Mountjoy, one of several hubs where the baton will pass. He said:

"I'm carrying the baton because my father sadly took his life when I was a teenager. It's something that still to this day my sister and I struggle with, if I'm honest. We want to create a conversation around suicide, which it already is, and raise awareness of how it affects those left behind. All our staff will be supporting."

Sharon is carrying the baton for her mum Beryl and daughter Chloe Holland, who took her life after being a victim of domestic abuse. Sharon, who is campaigning for tougher laws for perpetrators, said:

"It's very important to get Chloe's story out there and raise lots of awareness around women taking their lives because of coercive control and domestic abuse."

Benji is a volunteer who helps others with their mental health. He said:

"The Baton of Hope really shows a lot of strength from people who have been in the situation and people who have lost loved ones. It's a beacon of hope for everybody and it's fantastic Portsmouth is holding the baton this year, please get on board and support it."

The route

On the day the baton will pass Portsmouth's big landmarks, including the Mary Rose in Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth FC's Fratton Park, Spinnaker Tower, and around Victoria Park, the baton bearer village. The Baton arrives from Basingstoke and will set off from Mick's Monster Burgers on Portsdown Hill around 8am, winding through the city and ending at The Gaiety on South Parade Pier, Southsea.

Along the route will be lots of hubs, run by charities and organisations that offer support services to residents in the city. The hubs will be running activities throughout the day for people to join in with.

Portsmouth City Council is supporting the Baton of Hope.

Portsmouth Lord Mayor Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson said:

"I'm proud to be one of the many baton bearers when the Baton of Hope comes to Portsmouth on 26 September. It's so important that we talk about suicide, that the silence goes away, because suicide is devastating, but it’s also preventable.

"We need to reach people who have lost hope, so they can see there's a point to living, and that's such an important message coming from the Baton of Hope. I hope Portsmouth people come out on the day and show their support."

If you've been affected and bereaved by suicide, Cruse is a dedicated service providing free and confidential support across Portsmouth, Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Call 0330 555 0129, or visit crusenow.org.uk

If you need urgent help with your mental health, there is free support available 24/7 from:

Samaritans - call 116 123 or email [email protected]

Shout - text HANTS to 85258

If it’s an emergency, call an ambulance using 999