Time to Start the Conversation
HIP has partnered with suicide prevention group Hastings Baton of Hope to spread the word about this national campaig which arrives in town on 23 September
Team members at a recent event
The UK’s largest ever suicide prevention initiative is coming to Hastings this autumn as part of a 20-stop UK tour, when the Baton of Hope will be carried through Hastings by 48 local Baton Bearers on a full day tour with events along the way to raise awareness of suicide prevention and to spread the message of hope.
The Baton of Hope was founded by former broadcast journalist Mike McCarthy in response to the suicide of his son Ross. It is a charity and campaign group that aims to raise awareness and to generate better support for those affected, and ultimately, to prevent suicide.
Jacy Kilvert, who works for Hastings Voluntary Action and is the Baton of Hope project lead for Hastings, said, “The Baton of Hope will bring about change in how we approach suicide, how we talk about it and how we support those affected by it. I am sure it will be an emotional and meaningful day for all involved and we are so honoured that Hastings is part of a growing movement aspiring to a zero-suicide society; supporting the shared vision of hope where suicide is openly discussed, and together we will inspire hope through action.”
Baton Bearers are the focus of the tour and Travis Mains-Marten, a spokesperson for Men’s Room – Hastings and St Leonards (MRHSL), the group leading on the initiative, commented, “We are inspired that Hastings has 48 Baton Bearers who will be carrying the Baton across the borough. Each Baton Bearer will have their own reasons and motivations for their involvement and this is a unique opportunity to honour lives lost, raise awareness and help spark conversations. When carrying the Baton, you become part of a nationwide movement dedicated to breaking the stigma and spreading hope.”
Becky De Niro, a team member and baton bearer said, “I am taking part in the Baton of Hope because I am a survivor of suicide, and I know the power of finding light in the darkest moments. I want to share that message of hope with others, reminding them they are never alone.”
Over the last few months, organisers have been out and about explaining the Baton of Hope concept and gathering a diverse team of volunteers who will support the live event, and they are now in full ‘planning’ mode, finalising the baton route and setting up a full programme of activities in the lead up to the tour. Establishing partnerships has been a priority and the team has invested time connecting with many local organisations and businesses with a shared interest and wanting to be involved. One of those groups is the Samaritans, the suicide prevention charity and local service, and a local Samaritan who attended a recent planning session said, “I just wanted to say what an inspiring, exciting and moving evening it was yesterday. Things are snowballing and gathering momentum with creativity and enthusiasm and really reflecting the community we have here in Hastings.”
The Baton team are currently collecting stories from local people impacted by suicide, and producer and film maker, Francis Saunders, observed that “shooting the stories of hope has been inspirational, they are very powerful and moving and they really send out the message that there is always hope.” This view is echoed by community worker, Su Barnicoat, from Hastings Voluntary Action, who expressed her commitment as follows, “I am involved with Baton of Hope because I have known people who have taken their own lives and also know people who struggle daily to stay positive. Being a part of this initiative is enabling me to spread hope.”
There will be a host of activities happening over the spring and summer, including flag making and storytelling workshops, an auction of promises, plays and music sessions. The team will also be launching their very own ‘Staying Alive’ flashmob.
Awareness and training are key and the Baton of Hope Hastings team have linked up with Grassroots Suicide Prevention to deliver two Real Talk webinars for local residents. The one-hour introduction to suicide awareness sessions explore a simple framework for conversations with people who may be having thoughts of suicide and ideal for those coming new to the topic of suicide and those looking to update their knowledge and refresh their skills. All key team members are having Mental Health First Aid training that is being delivered by Soundcastle in partnership with the Macmillan Hastings project.
Reaching out to schools is underway and activity packs are being sent to local schools with an invitation for them to send messages of hope that will form part of a larger creative installation of local stories and messages. The group are also gathering celebrity endorsements, including national treasure, comedian Jo Brand, who has posted a short video in which she says, “I wanted to say what a fantastic idea the Baton of Hope tour is and encourage people in Hastings to get involved.”
All funding for the Baton of Hope needs to be locally generated and the team is calling for help and offering opportunities for local businesses to sponsor and support Baton of Hope Hastings.
Local Tesco stores are already on board, and their Community Champions are fundraising for the day, and the Baton of Hope team is inviting other retailers and businesses to connect with them to find out more and get active.
To find out more, and to offer support, visit the Men’s Room website mensroom.community or contact [email protected]
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.
Leave a Reply