Partnerships & Projects

Baton of Hope Tameside

12th September 2025

A day of remembrance, courage and hope that brought people, organisations and communities together across Tameside to honour loved ones lost to suicide, challenge stigma and promote suicide prevention.

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Baton Bearers • Volunteers • Community Route
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Day At A Glance

A Day Of Courage, Remembrance And Hope

Baton of Hope Tameside brought people together across the borough to remember loved ones lost to suicide, raise awareness, challenge stigma and share a message of hope.

34
Baton Bearers

36
Volunteers

12
Locations Visited

1
Community Finale

1
Shared Message
Of Hope

Thirty-four people carried the Baton in memory of loved ones lost to suicide, supported by thirty-six volunteers and a community determined to keep talking about suicide prevention.

About Baton of Hope

Bringing A National Movement To Tameside

Baton of Hope is a national suicide prevention initiative that travels across the United Kingdom, bringing communities together to remember those lost to suicide, challenge stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.

On 12th September 2025, the Baton arrived in Tameside. Coordinated locally by The Anthony Seddon Fund, the day saw baton bearers, volunteers, community organisations, schools, services and residents come together to carry a shared message of hope across the borough.

More than just a relay, Baton of Hope Tameside created opportunities for remembrance, reflection, education and connection. It celebrated lives, honoured memories and demonstrated the strength of a community united in its commitment to suicide prevention.

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Baton Arrival
Opening Ceremony
or Group Photo

“The Baton of Hope isn’t just about its journey through the towns; it’s a message of compassion, strength and togetherness.”

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Tameside Route
Baton Bearers
Community Moments

Baton of Hope Comes To Tameside

A Borough United In Hope

Baton of Hope Tameside was a powerful day of remembrance, awareness and community action. From the first gathering at The Anthony Seddon Centre to the finale at Stalybridge Civic Hall, the Baton travelled across the borough carrying a message of compassion, courage and hope.

Thirty-four Baton Bearers carried the Baton in memory of loved ones lost to suicide. Each person brought their own story, strength and reason for taking part, helping to show that suicide prevention is not only a national issue but a deeply personal and community-wide commitment.

Supported by volunteers, partners, services and members of the public, the day created space for people to remember, reflect, talk openly and stand together against silence and stigma.

Every person who carried, volunteered, supported or stood alongside the Baton helped bring hope to Tameside.

Journey Through Tameside

Carrying Hope Across The Borough

The Baton travelled through communities across Tameside, stopping at significant locations where people gathered to remember loved ones, share stories, raise awareness and promote hope. Each stop added its own voice to a powerful collective message that suicide prevention matters.

Illustrated map of the Baton of Hope Tameside 2025 route showing key locations such as The Anthony Seddon Centre, Portland Basin Museum, Stalybridge Celtic, Stamford Park, Hartshead Pike, and the Civic Hall finale.

The Journey

  1. The Anthony Seddon Centre
  2. Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
  3. Portland Basin Museum
  4. Tameside Cycle Circuit
  5. Samuel Laycock School
  6. Hartshead Pike
  7. Mossley Cross
  8. Mossley Fire Station
  9. Stamford Park
  10. Stalybridge Railway Station
  11. Stalybridge Celtic Football Club
  12. Stalybridge Civic Hall Finale

One Baton. One Community. One Message.

From schools and healthcare settings to community landmarks and places of remembrance, every location played a role in helping Tameside come together to talk about suicide prevention.

The route reflected the strength, diversity and compassion of the borough, connecting people from all walks of life through a shared commitment to hope, understanding and support.

Why It Mattered

More Than A Relay

Baton of Hope was far more than a journey across Tameside. It was an opportunity to remember loved ones, start conversations, challenge stigma and show people that they are not alone. Every step taken carried a message of hope and a commitment to suicide prevention.

Remembering

Honouring those lost to suicide and ensuring they are never forgotten.

Breaking Silence

Encouraging open and honest conversations about suicide.

Challenging Stigma

Helping communities talk openly about mental health and suicide.

Supporting Recovery

Promoting support, connection and hope for those struggling.

Community Action

Bringing people, services and organisations together.

Creating Hope

Showing that help is available and nobody needs to face things alone.

“Carrying the Baton is a commitment to breaking the silence, challenging stigma and being a voice of hope for those who feel unheard.”

Baton Bearer Reflection

Community Voices

What The Day Meant To People

Baton of Hope Tameside was shaped by the people who carried the Baton, volunteered their time, shared their stories and stood alongside others in support. These reflections capture just a small part of the impact the day had on our community.

“You are the best when it comes to suicide prevention. The Anthony Seddon Centre saves many lives. You make amazing things happen.”

Feedback received from a Baton Bearer and supporter

“You are amazing.”

“You help, support and inspire many people.”

“Sense of community and my tribe!”

Bringing Hope To Life

The Baton of Hope isn’t simply about carrying a baton from one location to another. It is about people. It is about the loved ones remembered, the stories shared, the conversations started and the communities brought together.

For many participants, the day was an opportunity to honour someone they had lost to suicide. For others, it was a chance to stand alongside those affected, demonstrate solidarity and show that support is available.

The overwhelming message throughout the day was one of connection, understanding and hope. Together, we showed that by talking openly about suicide and mental health, we can help create safer, more compassionate communities.

Photo Highlights

Moments From The Day

From emotional moments of remembrance to powerful displays of community spirit, Baton of Hope Tameside created memories that will stay with many people for years to come.

Opening The Day

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Baton Bearers

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The Route Through Tameside

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Community & Partners

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Reflection & Hope

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Impact & Reach

A Community Message That Travelled Further Than The Route

Baton of Hope Tameside created impact far beyond the people who walked the route. Through community participation, partnership working, media coverage and social media engagement, the message of suicide prevention, remembrance and hope reached people across Tameside and beyond.

Suicide Prevention Awareness

The day helped open up conversations about suicide, mental health and bereavement, encouraging people to speak more openly and seek support.

Lived Experience Voices

Baton Bearers carried the Baton in memory of loved ones lost to suicide, bringing personal stories, courage and meaning to the route.

Partnership Working

Services, charities, schools, community groups and local leaders came together around one shared purpose: suicide prevention.

Schools & Young People

The route included Samuel Laycock School, helping involve young people in a wider community conversation about hope, support and wellbeing.

Community Engagement

People gathered along the route, attended the finale, visited information stalls and helped create a visible show of support across Tameside.

Digital Reach

Social media helped share the message widely, allowing people who could not attend in person to follow, engage with and support the day.

The Impact In Numbers

34
Baton Bearers
36
Volunteers
12
Locations
1
Shared Message

Baton of Hope Tameside showed what is possible when people come together with compassion, courage and a shared commitment to preventing suicide.

Partners & Supporters

Working Together For Suicide Prevention

Baton of Hope Tameside was made possible through the collective efforts of organisations, services, volunteers, community groups and individuals who shared a commitment to raising awareness, reducing stigma and promoting hope.

A True Community Effort

Baton of Hope Tameside brought together charities, public services, healthcare organisations, schools, community groups, businesses and volunteers in a shared effort to support suicide prevention and mental wellbeing.

Throughout the day, organisations provided support, information, activities, speakers, volunteers and practical assistance to ensure the event reached communities across the borough.

The event demonstrated the power of partnership working and showed what can be achieved when organisations unite behind a common goal.

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Healthcare

NHS services, mental health providers and suicide prevention organisations.

Community Groups

Local charities, voluntary organisations and peer support networks.

Education

Schools and educational partners helping engage future generations.

Community Leaders

Civic leaders, public representatives, venues and supporters.

Organisations Involved

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust

Samaritans

SAFE Tameside

TOG Mind

Andrew Gidney Foundation

Andy’s Man Club

Mentell

Lifeline

Power of Resilience

Talking Therapies

Tameside Council

The Anthony Seddon Fund

The Legacy Continues

Baton of Hope Was Not The End Of The Journey

While the Baton completed its route through Tameside on 12 September 2025, the conversations, partnerships and commitment to suicide prevention continue every day.

Baton of Hope helped create opportunities for people to share their stories, remember loved ones, challenge stigma and connect with support. It demonstrated what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose.

The event also strengthened relationships between charities, public services, community groups and local residents, creating a foundation for continued collaboration around mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention.

Most importantly, the day reminded us that every conversation matters. By continuing to talk openly, listen without judgement and support one another, we can help create a future where fewer lives are lost to suicide.

Legacy Photo

Community Reflection
Group Photograph
or Closing Ceremony

Awareness

Continuing conversations about suicide prevention and mental health.

Partnership

Building on relationships formed through the event and beyond.

Hope

Ensuring people know support is available and they are not alone.

“The Baton of Hope isn’t just about its journey through towns; it’s a message of compassion, strength and togetherness.”

A message that continues long after the Baton has passed.

Final Reflection

A Day We Will Never Forget

On 12th September 2025, people from across Tameside came together to remember loved ones lost to suicide, share stories, support one another and carry a message of hope through our communities.

Every Baton Bearer, volunteer, partner organisation and supporter played a part in making the day possible. Together, they demonstrated the compassion, strength and resilience that exists throughout Tameside.

While the Baton has moved on, the conversations it started, the connections it created and the hope it inspired continue. That is the true legacy of Baton of Hope Tameside.

Keep The Conversation Going

Help Us Continue The Legacy

Baton of Hope Tameside may have been a single day, but its message continues every day. If you need support, would like to learn more about our work, or want to help create a future where fewer lives are lost to suicide, we’re here to help.

Together, we can continue to challenge stigma, support those affected by suicide and ensure that hope remains visible across our communities.