The UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative has arrived in Milton Keynes today (4/7).
The Baton of Hope is the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative and is supported by thousands of volunteers.
During a 12-day event this summer, the special baton designed and crafted by goldsmiths and silversmiths to the Royal family will be carried across the UK by families and friends bereaved by suicide, journeying from Glasgow to London.
Today (4/7), the Baton arrives in Milton Keynes where it will be carried, taken on horseback, and even escorted by a Formula 1 car as it travels across the city.
There will be talks, live music and the opportunity to meet with local groups and charities throughout the day.
The Baton procession will set off at around 8:30am from MK Rose in Campbell Park.
The first stop of the day will be a ceremony at Milton Keynes Rose in partnership with Samaritans, who will say a few words. We will start the day with some creative poetry, delivered by Paul Chambers, co-founder and COO of the creative mental health charity, PoetsIn.
10am - 10:30am - Ride High Children's Charity
A procession on horseback around the grounds with a selected group of children and young people who are members of the charity taking part.
11am - 11:45am- 5asideCHESS Bus at Furzton Lake
The 5asideCHESS Bus will prepare to escort The Baton on its journey to Stadium MK.
12pm - 12:30pm - Stadium MK
Mike McCarthy, co-founder of the Baton of Hope, will say a few words alongside the Mayor and our blue light services.
2pm - 2:15pm - Red Bull Technology
A formula 1 car will escort the baton through the campus.
4pm - 5pm - Tree Cathedral
Harry’s Rainbow will welcome The Baton at the Tree Cathedral and will be working with young people to create messages of ‘Hope’ – music provided by the wonderful Alina Orchestra.
5:30pm - close - Peace Pagoda
The Baton will end its journey at the Peace Pagoda where The Scouts will welcome it in with a Guard of Honour, and where Mind BLMK and CHUMS will be available to talk to anyone about the support they provide for those bereaved by suicide.
The day will end with music on the Peace Pagoda stage, and some final words from Baton of Hope co-founder, Mike McCarthy.
The full programme, including timings and detail for all events open to the public, can be found here.
Representatives from public health and local charities will also be on hand to talk to anyone about the support they provide for those bereaved by suicide.
The Baton of Hope was co-founded by fathers Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip who both lost a son to suicide. Mike’s son Ross battled depression for a decade before taking his own life in 2021.
Ross left behind a young son, a fiancée, and a heartfelt request that his family campaign for better mental health support and Mike is committed to honouring this final wish through the charity.
Mike McCarthy, Co-Founder - Baton of Hope said: “The significance of this event cannot be overestimated. For the first time, a physical symbol that can be passed from bearer to bearer – from sufferer to sufferer – is spreading a message that we needn’t struggle alone.
"I am deeply moved and humbled to see truly inspirational people from across the country carry this baton as a symbol of compassion, hope and responsibility. ‘Responsibility’ because everyone of us can play a part in tackling the challenges presented by suicide. For too long, the stigma associated with having the conversations that we so desperately need to have has taken those closest to us. We have a huge mountain to climb in breaking this stigma, raising awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing and re-calibrating our approach to the societal catastrophe created by suicide, but the Baton of Hope Tour marks the start of positive change.”
If you have any questions or represent an organisation that would like to be involved, please contact admin.mk@batonofhopeuk.org
The Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to listen.
Call them any time on 116 123 if you need somebody to talk to.
Sponsors of this initiative include Alstom, Savills, Starbucks, TFL and Westfield Health.
