Baton of Hope brings suicide prevention message

Helen Ambler who is taking part in the event with baton holder Luke Cook

Torbay will take centre stage in a suicide prevention initiative as it hosts a leg of the Baton of Hope tour on Tuesday.

The event, inspired by the Olympic torch relay, aims to raise awareness of mental health and honour those lost to suicide.

Torbay as chosen as the sole location in south-west England for the 2025 tour of the baton, which will travel through Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, with community events and activities planned along the route.

More than 100 individuals, including suicide survivors and those bereaved by suicide, had volunteered to carry the baton in tribute to their personal journeys or loved ones lost, organisers said.

The baton is due to begin its journey at Princess Gardens, Torquay, at 08:00 GMT, travelling through Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, with events and activities planned throughout the day.

The tour, which will be passing through 20 UK towns and cities, started in Blackpool on 1 September and ends in London on 10 October.

The Baton of Hope UK is a charity dedicated to suicide prevention.

Its mission was to create change, give hope and save lives through campaigning, public education and lobbying, bosses said.

It was founded in 2021 by four men – two of whom are fathers who have lost their sons to suicide.