Baton Of Hope
The Baton of Hope is unprecedented – its first tour was, as its founders intended, the UK’s largest ever suicide prevention initiative
About the Baton of Hope
It began with two fathers reaching out in their grief. Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip first met on social media and recognised when they chatted over coffee that they were kindred spirits – each suffering unbearable loss. Despite their bereavement the men were determined to create hope for others facing the despair their sons had faced and they became passionate advocates for change in UK suicide prevention policy.
Having been invited to meet the then Health Secretary Sajid Javid MP in June 2022 and having briefed him on the vital actions needed across Government they were able to secure Mr. Javid’s endorsement and support for the Baton of Hope campaign announced on BBC Breakfast the following day.
Vision and Mission
We are part of a growing movement aspiring to a zero-suicide society, and will simply not tolerate more than 6,000 suicide deaths per year in the UK (as currently) when most suicides are preventable.
We have a vision of a society where suicide and suicide prevention are openly and widely discussed, where we inspire hope through action, where people are suitably supported, and where everyone plays their part in realising this vision.
We will bring about change. In how we approach suicide. In how we talk about it. And in how we support those affected by it.
“The Baton of Hope’ is a true point of light in our country, and it will help to save many lives now and in years to come.”
– FORMER PRIME MINISTER RISHI SUNAK
