Leeds is proudly joining the Baton of Hope tour on September 10th, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day, to promote mental wellbeing and unite the community in remembrance of those affected by suicide. Crafted by Thomas Lyte, this symbolic baton represents resilience and aims to inspire collective action to reduce the city’s suicide rates and foster a mentally healthy environment.
What is the significance of the Baton of Hope tour in Leeds?
The Baton of Hope tour in Leeds is a vital initiative for promoting mental wellbeing and suicide prevention. Crafted by Thomas Lyte, it symbolizes mental health resilience. Leeds’ participation, especially on World Suicide Prevention Day, involves community unity and remembrance for those affected by suicide. The tour supports Leeds’ goal to become a mentally healthy city and reduce suicide rates.
Symbolic Tour Through Leeds
Leeds is set to be an integral part of a poignant UK-wide initiative aimed at promoting mental wellbeing and suicide prevention. Later this year, the city will welcome the ‘Baton of Hope’ tour for the first time. This significant event is designed to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding suicide. The baton, a symbolic emblem of mental health resilience, will make its way through Leeds, involving the community in a journey of support and remembrance.
September 10th marks an important date for the city, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day. On this day, Leeds will witness the baton being carried by individuals who have been affected or bereaved by suicide. These ‘baton bearers’ are encouraged to join the tour’s leg through Leeds, fostering a sense of unity and shared commitment to the cause.
The initiative, established by the charity Baton of Hope UK, draws inspiration from the Olympic torch tradition. However, instead of celebrating physical prowess, this baton glorifies the perseverance of mental health. Thomas Lyte, the official gold and silversmiths to the FA cup, crafted the Baton of Hope. The tour will involve volunteers passing the baton from hand to hand, symbolizing the collective effort required to address the challenges of suicide prevention.
The Personal Impact on Leeds
The Baton of Hope holds particular significance for Leeds due to the personal connections of the charity’s co-founders. Steve Phillip, one of the original co-founders of Baton of Hope UK, established The Jordan Legacy following the tragic loss of his son Jordan to suicide. Jordan was a resident of Leeds, and his memory plays a vital role in the city’s involvement in the tour.
Steve Phillip shares, “Given Jordan’s connection with Leeds, it feels particularly poignant that the baton will be coming to the city and I’m very much looking forward to supporting this amazing initiative.” Steve’s commitment, alongside that of fellow co-founder Mike McCarthy, who also lost his son Ross to suicide, exemplifies the deeply personal motivations driving the tour.
The involvement of Leeds City Council, in collaboration with partners across the city, indicates institutional support for the Baton of Hope’s objectives. The council’s engagement is not just ceremonial; it reflects a larger goal outlined in the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023-2030, which prioritizes making Leeds a mentally healthy city and reducing suicide rates.
Addressing Suicide in Leeds
The magnitude of the challenge in Leeds is underscored by the latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics. The three-year average suicide rate in Leeds for the period of 2021-2023 stands at 11.6 per 100,000 people, surpassing the average rate for England. This highlights the necessity of initiatives like the Baton of Hope, which seek not only to commemorate but also to catalyze change.
Leeds City Council’s executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, Councillor Fiona Venner, emphasizes the city’s dedication to the cause: “We’re honoured to have been chosen to host the Baton of Hope tour and help raise awareness of this important issue.” The commitment to suicide prevention in Leeds is long-term, ensuring that the impact of the Baton of Hope tour extends beyond a single event.
The Leeds Suicide Bereavement Service, commissioned by the council, serves as a testament to Leeds’ ongoing efforts. This service provides support to those bereaved or affected by suicide, reinforcing the message of hope and assistance.
Individuals interested in participating as baton bearers are encouraged to apply through the Baton of Hope UK website before the deadline of January 31. For additional support and resources, the Mindwell Leeds website offers a comprehensive range of services dedicated to mental health in Leeds.
In the collective spirit of the Baton of Hope tour, Leeds stands in solidarity with those affected by suicide, heralding a future where every life is valued and every story of struggle is met with understanding and support.
For further information on the Baton of Hope tour or to inquire about suicide prevention efforts in Leeds, please contact the Leeds City Council communications and marketing team through the provided email or telephone number.
For up-to-date details on support services available in Leeds:
Leeds City Council communications and marketing team can be reached at:
Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk
Tel: 0113 378 6007
Please note that the contact information and links provided are essential resources for those seeking support and information on the topics discussed in this article.
- Leeds is participating in the Baton of Hope tour on September 10th, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day, to promote mental wellbeing.
- The baton serves as a symbolic representation of mental health resilience and aims to inspire collective action against suicide in the city.
- The initiative, established by the charity Baton of Hope UK, reflects personal connections to the issue, particularly through co-founder Steve Phillip, who lost his son to suicide.
- Leeds has a suicide rate of 11.6 per 100,000 people, which is above the national average, emphasizing the need for initiatives like the Baton of Hope.
- The city council is actively involved in supporting the Baton of Hope tour, underlining its commitment to making Leeds a mentally healthy city and reducing suicide rates.