Torbay will be hosting the Baton of Hope later this year on behalf of the South West and baton bearers are needed to make it an event to remember.

The Baton of Hope was devised by a suicide prevention charity as a parallel icon to the Olympic torch – but one that celebrated mental rather than physical wellbeing.

This national event will see the baton carried across the UK and Torbay is one of the successful bidders chosen to host a one-day leg of the tour on Tuesday 30 September.

Suicide survivors and those bereaved by suicide are being offered the chance to help carry the baton in honour of their own survival or in memory of a loved one lost.

The tour will be passing through 20 towns and cities this year, starting in Blackpool on 1 September and ending in London on 10 October.

Torbay is the only location in the South West to host the baton tour.

While it’s here, individuals will carry the baton at a steady walking pace for between 200 and 500 metres before passing it on to the next person.

The route is expected to go through Torquay, Paignton and Brixham and feature events and activities along the way, at different locations in each town, before culminating in a final celebration event with entertainment for all. More information about this will follow in the coming months.

Since 2018, multi-agency partners have coordinated their community suicide prevention activity via the Torbay Suicide Prevention Action Plan. One of the priorities of this plan is to harness passion, commit to collaborate and pool resources to reduce suicides.

Anyone can help prevent a suicide with willingness to listen and support but collective local and national action is needed to tackle the number of suicide deaths that happen annually.

Hayley Tranter, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities said: “I am inspired by the support and enthusiasm of our local multi-agency suicide prevention partnership to make this event happen alongside Torbay Council. We want this to be an event that is owned, shaped and supported by local people and local organisations.

“This is a unique opportunity for Torbay, especially as we are the only place in the South West to feature on the tour. It is a chance to raise awareness of suicide and reduce the stigma often associated with it.”

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, Torbay’s Director of Public Health, said: “Torbay has, for some years, experienced some of the highest suicide rates in England. Recent multi-agency work has been very positive and the rate has shown some signs of reducing, but it still remains high.

“Around 20 people per year die by suicide in Torbay, with 75% of suicides occurring in men. Stories and living examples of hope and recovery can help to prevent future suicides. The Baton of Hope helps us to do this on a larger scale. Suicide is preventable and suicide prevention is everybody’s business.”

To find out more about the Baton of Hope and apply to be a baton bearer, head to the Baton of Hope website. The closing date for applications is Monday 31 March.

You can also follow the Baton of Hope Torbay Facebook page to get involved and receive the latest updates.

If you or a loved one are struggling with their mental health, contact:

• Family Hubs (perinatal mental health)
• NHS Mental Health Support Teams (5-18yrs)
• KOOTH (11-18yrs)
• NHS TALKWORKS (18yrs+)
• Torbay Community Helpline (18yrs+) – 01803 446022

If you or a loved one are in a mental health crisis, contact:

• 111
• Shout – text 85258
• PAPYRUS (35yrs and under) – 0800 068 41 41
• SAMARITANS – 116 123

If you or a loved one have been bereaved by suicide, contact:

• Pete’s Dragons