Baton of Hope Tameside – 12th September 2025




What is the Baton of Hope?
The Baton of Hope is the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative, dedicated to raising awareness and fostering open conversations about mental health. Founded by Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip, both of whom have been personally affected by suicide, the initiative seeks to challenge stigma and promote practical change to save lives.
Central to the campaign is the Baton itself, a symbol of unity and hope, crafted by Thomas Lyte, renowned goldsmiths and silversmiths. The Baton serves as a unifying emblem, representing the journey from despair to hope, and is carried through various communities to inspire collective responsibility in suicide prevention.
In 2023, the Baton embarked on its inaugural tour across 12 UK cities, engaging thousands in collaborative activities aimed at making suicide prevention everyone’s business. Building on this success, the Baton of Hope Tour is set to return in 2025, expanding its reach to 20 locations across the UK, including Tameside. The tour will feature events designed to educate, inspire, and mobilise communities towards a zero-suicide society.
By bringing the Baton to Tameside, we join a national movement committed to changing the way suicide is perceived and addressed, ensuring that hope and support are available to all.
Movement for Change
The Baton of Hope is more than just a symbol; it’s a call to action for communities, organisations, and individuals to come together and address the silent crisis of suicide. By championing open conversations and challenging stigma, the initiative seeks to inspire tangible changes in mental health awareness and support.
The campaign doesn’t stop at raising awareness. It promotes actionable solutions through partnerships, education, and the development of charters aimed at transforming workplaces and schools into supportive environments. Every step of the Baton’s journey represents a collective commitment to ensuring that hope and help are accessible to everyone.
Together, we can make suicide prevention a shared responsibility and work towards a future where no one feels they have to face life’s struggles alone.
Why Tameside?
Tameside faces one of the highest suicide rates in Greater Manchester, with socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and social isolation contributing to mental health struggles. The Baton of Hope is a vital opportunity to break stigma, foster lifesaving conversations, and inspire community-wide action.
The Anthony Seddon Fund, deeply rooted in Tameside, has been a leader in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. Our extensive networks and partnerships make us proud to host the Baton of Hope and bring hope to our community.
Learn more about our journey and why we are hosting the Baton of Hope in Tameside.
Join Us
Be part of the Baton of Hope’s journey in Tameside and help make a difference. Whether you want to apply to be a Baton Bearer, volunteer on the day, or support the event through sponsorship or fundraising, there are many ways to get involved.
Get Involved to learn more about becoming a Baton Bearer or volunteering to help make this event a success.
Interested in supporting us financially or as a sponsor? Visit our Sponsorship and Fundraising page for more details.