We all have a duty of care

MHFA England® is proud to partner with The Baton of Hope and sign it’s Workplace Pledge. We support their aims and objectives – to start conversations and eliminate the stigma around suicide, help organisations, communities and individuals see what steps they can take to strengthen suicide prevention.  

We spoke with MHFA England Instructor Member, Wayne Goodwin, about The Baton of Hope and his role as a baton bearer for the Canterbury leg of the tour:

As a military veteran and having served 24 years in the police, I know the impact of suicide on individuals and those that are left behind. This drove me to seek a career change ten years ago. I now work as an MHFA England Instructor Member and counsellor working with individuals (particularly men) and groups to raise awareness around this area and reduce the stigma associated with it. 

What is The Baton of Hope? 

The Baton of Hope began when founders (Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip) met on social media after reaching out in their grief as fathers. Despite their bereavements by suicide they were both determined to create an environment of hope for others facing the despair that their sons had faced. 

The Baton of Hope Tour is a physical representation of the objectives of the Baton of Hope movement. The campaign believes that deaths by suicide can be prevented, right up until the point of action; and that we all have a duty of care. It represents a journey of hope and, how with encouragement and support, people can move towards better mental health.  

The Baton of Hope is touring the UK from 1 September until 10 October and follows on from its inaugural tour in 2023. In towns around the country it will be passed from one baton bearer to another. Each recipient has a personal reason to raise awareness and break down the stigma surrounding suicide. 

The tour looks to create a focal point for encouraging conversations with its physical representation of hope. Each town visited will mark the day with events and activities to give hope, resources and signposting. The initiative aims to be the, “megaphone through which all involved in suicide prevention can have one loud voice and action change”.  

How can you get involved? 

You can support the tour as it travels around the country. Tour locations and associated events can be found at https://batonofhopeuk.org.  

Your organisation can sign up to the Baton of Hope’s workplace pledge and share their mission around suicide prevention and support. 

You can promote the event on social media using the hashtag #passiton 

Strengthen suicide prevention in your organisation 

MHFA England has the expertise to help you:  

• Put clear, actionable plans in place to support those having thoughts of suicide and those impacted by suicide  

• Deliver training to your organisation and work with you to advise on how to embed suicide prevention into your mental health and wellbeing strategy  

• Feel empowered to start the conversation about suicide, break the stigma and provide you with avenues of support through our MHFA training