Hastings Gets Baton of Hope
CHRIS CONNELLEY
Established by former broadcast journalist Mike McCarthy in response to the suicide of his son, Ross, Baton of Hope (BofH) is a charity and campaign group that aims to raise awareness and prevention of the issue, as well as to support those affected.
Working with Steve Phillips, whose son also committed suicide, McCarthy developed the concept of the ‘Baton of Hope’ as a means of engaging people across the country. The concept was to use a public procession with a baton passed by survivors and their families, demonstrating solidarity and acting as a beacon of hope.
Its first nationwide tour in 2023 visited a dozen locations, including Brighton, before heading to central London. It involved 1,000 torch bearers from those directly affected, signed up scores of celebrity advocates and generated 3 million hits on social media.
Next year’s second national tour will almost double in size, with 20 locations taking part, including Hastings, the smallest host town. The baton will arrive here on Tuesday 23 September, when organisers plan a range of activities.
Our presence on next year’s map follows an application by local men’s group, ‘Mr Hastings and St Leonards’ (MHSL), which has been campaigning for better support for men and focusing on physical and mental health.
Supported by HVA (Hastings Voluntary Action), MHSL have worked on projects over the past couple of years, including hosting a podcast, running a weekly Thursday night men’s group at Stade Hall, and bringing national wellbeing group, Talk Club, to Hastings.
Mazin Al-Julaili – Maz, a founder of MHSL, said he came across the Baton of Hope whilst attending a Talk Club in Mike’s hometown, Sheffield, and felt that a coastal location like Hastings, with its complex set of health inequalities, would be a suitable candidate for the 2025 tour. Hastings Samaritans highlighted the town’s higher than average suicide statistics, at 11.9 deaths per 100,000 compared to the national average of 10.6. Rebecca Swann, CEO of training provider Grassroots, estimates that for every suicide 135 other people are affected.
All funding for the Baton of Hope needs to be locally generated and the group are seeking volunteers to help with fundraising and organisation of the Batons visit.
To find out more, contact mensroom.community
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