Baton of Hope Tameside – 12th September 2025

The UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative is coming to Tameside – and everyone is welcome.

The Baton of Hope is a national suicide prevention initiative, founded by two bereaved fathers, which aims to spark real change by encouraging open, honest conversations about mental health. Now the UK’s largest campaign of its kind, the Baton travels to 20 communities across the country — and Tameside is proud to be one of them.

On Friday 12th September, the Baton of Hope will pass through key landmarks across our borough, accompanied by local baton bearers, volunteers, and supporters. The event is completely free to attend and open to all.

Join us for a powerful day of hope, remembrance, reflection and community connection. Whether you walk part of the route, attend an activity, or simply cheer from the sidelines — your presence matters.

📍 Baton Route & Timings

The Baton of Hope will be visiting the following stops across Tameside on Friday 12th September.

Time Location
07:30–08:30 The Anthony Seddon Fund
08:43–08:53 Pennine Care HQ
09:06–09:16 Portland Basin Museum
09:51–10:11 Tameside Cycle Circuit
10:31–11:00 Samuel Laycock School (by bus)
12:10–12:40 Hartshead Pike
13:01–13:16 Mossley Cross
13:42–14:12 Stamford Park Pavilion (by bus)
15:17–15:42 Stalybridge Celtic F.C.
16:15–20:00 Stalybridge Civic Hall – Final Event

Members of the public are invited to join the walk from Stamford Park onwards.

🎨 Free Activities Throughout the Day

Alongside the Baton’s journey, a wide range of activities will be taking place across Tameside — all designed to support positive mental wellbeing and provide gentle, inclusive spaces for all ages.

  • Mindful Art Workshop @ Portland Basin (10am–3pm)
    Drop in and create your own artwork using nature as inspiration.
  • Cake & Refreshments @ Pennine Care HQ (8:30am–10am)
    Kindly hosted by the Early Intervention Team.
  • Sensory Sound Exploration @ Stamford Park Pavilion (9:30am–12:30pm)
    Mindfulness with sound bowls, bubbles and calm colouring.
  • Information Stalls @ Stamford Park Pavilion (12pm–2pm)
    Meet The Anthony Seddon Fund, GM Bereavement Service & Samaritans.
  • Semi-Colon Tattoo Offer @ Taylor Made Tattoo (9am–5pm)
    £20 semi-colon tattoos – a symbol of suicide prevention (18+ only).

All activities are free. No need to book – just turn up and take part.

🎤 Final Event – Stalybridge Civic Hall (4pm–8pm)

Join us at Civic Hall for the final gathering of the day — a chance to come together for live music, shared remembrance, and messages of hope.

  • Live Music from Sing Their Name Choir and local band Low Adhesion
  • 2 Minute Silence in memory of those lost to suicide
  • Messages of Hope – contribute to our legacy butterfly display
  • Suicide Prevention Training – Zero Suicide Alliance 20-min online module
  • Indian Head Massage – Free taster sessions (4:30pm–6:30pm, 18+)
  • Pavement Art & Chalk Messages – get creative outside Civic Hall
  • Free Wellbeing Packs – first come, first served

This is a celebration of life, hope, and healing — and we’d love you to be part of it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book or pay?
No – all events are free and open to the public.

Can I join the Baton walk?
Yes – the public are welcome to join from 1:30pm at Stamford Park onwards. Walk with us through to the Civic Hall.

Is the event family-friendly and accessible?
Yes – most activities are suitable for all ages. Locations are accessible and volunteers will be on hand to help.

Will there be refreshments or merchandise?
Yes – refreshments will be available at select venues. Limited edition “Support Me!” merchandise will also be available to purchase.

What if I need support on the day?
Trained volunteers, Mental Health First Aiders, and local partners like Samaritans and Lifeline will be on site throughout the day.

How can I support TASFund?
You can donate at stalls, through our website, or by purchasing merchandise. Every contribution helps us continue our work locally.