'It's about hope' - Suicide campaign starts UK tour in Glasgow
The Baton of Hope is passing through 12 cities over the next 12 days to raise awareness of UK suicide
Last updated 25th Jun 2023
A powerful campaign aimed at tackling the UK's high rates of suicide is starting out on its tour of 12 major UK cities.
The Baton of Hope is an Olympic-style relay starting in Glasgow on Sunday 25th, before 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.
The tour sets off from Glasgow
Baton bearer for Glasgow, Ally Paul, lost his nephew to suicide, and is taking on the challenge in his honour.
He said: "I've spoken to all of the baton bearers, and all of us feel really proud and priviliged to get the chance to carry the amazing baton, and there's a common feeling we'll be honouring the memory of our lost sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, mums, dads, nieces nephews, friends, and colleagues.
"It'll be very emotional, but very rewarding for everyone."
The baton will set off from Dassie Park at 8:15am, before heading along the River Clyde to the Cuningar Loop.
There, people will be greeted by a charity village of local suicide prevention and mental health charities, all keen to talk to the family members, loved ones, friends and colleagues that would like to understand what they can do to help avoid suicide impacting their lives.
Ally added: "help and support is available if you raise your hand and say 'I've been struggling lately, I need some help."
"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 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