The Baton of Hope in Brighton & Hove

On Wednesday 5 July, the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative, the Baton of Hope, stopped in Brighton & Hove as part of its 12-day tour of the UK.

Throughout the tour, a specially designed baton has been passed from person to person around the country as a symbol of hope for those affected by suicide. 

Many of the baton bearers have been bereaved or impacted by suicide and they shared their experiences and also their stories of hope, alongside media, MPs, celebrities, and key speakers.

The tour is raising awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, with an aim to break down the stigma around it and get people talking.

Events also highlighted the support available, and shared experiences and advice to ensure everyone feels confident to ask for help, start a conversation or take action.

Councillor Andrei Czolak, policy lead for mental health, gave a moving speech at the event about the struggles he’s faced with his own mental health, how he’s been impacted by suicide and his hope for people to be supported. He said:

“Like so many others I have been impacted by suicide and mental health challenges. That’s why I’m so proud that Brighton & Hove was chosen as a city to host the Baton of Hope.

“To truly make a difference we must first break the stigma surrounding mental health and create an environment where individuals feel safe and comfortable discussing their struggles and can seek help without fear of judgement or discrimination.

“Suicide prevention requires a collective effort. We all need to be willing to stand up, speak out and take action.

“By sharing my own experiences, I hope I can encourage others to talk openly about mental health.

“It’s only by working together that we can create a city where no one feels alone and without hope.”

Having begun its journey in Glasgow on 25 June, the baton reached Brighton & Hove on day 11, before the tour finishes in Parliament in London on 6 July.

Around 90 people passed the baton across the route in Brighton & Hove. From the Peace Statue to Hove Town Hall and on to the pier, then to Upper Bedford Street Community Garden, Brighthelm Gardens and on to the Bevy, before finishing the day at Brighton Dome.

Get support

• Whatever you're going through, Samaritans provide 24-hour support, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 for free.
• If you’re having thoughts about suicide, or you’re concerned about someone else, you can download Grassroot free Stay Alive app.
• If you’re experiencing mental health difficulties, you can call the Sussex Mental Healthline on 0800 0309 500
• If you live in Sussex and you’ve been affected by suicide, however long ago, you can contact the Sussex Suicide Bereavement Support Service. Call 07376616628 or email sussexbereavedbysuicide@cruse.org.uk at any time.

More information

Suicide rates in Brighton & Hove are statistically significantly higher than rates in the South East and England, with an average of 38 deaths by suicide per year in the city (ONS data). 

How to talk about suicide safely

Talking about suicide is an important way to break down stigma, but the topic must be discussed safely and responsibly in a way that avoids causing unintentional harm.

The Samaritans have produced an excellent resource which summarises how to talk about suicide safely online. It focuses on things that are posted on social media and in chats with friends, but the advice can be applied to other conversations around suicide too.