The Baton will be in Kent & Medway on Monday 22nd September 2025. It will be carried by people affected or bereaved by suicide along a dedicated route, making stops along its journey.

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The stops will have additional things to do, from live music, activities, charity stalls and information linking to mental health, suicide prevention, neurodiversity and much more!​​

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THE BATON OF HOPE IS COMING - FULL EVENT SCHEDULE CONFIRMED!

We are really excited to share our schedule for Monday 22nd September. Please come out and show your support along the route or at our stop-off events!

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KENT AND MEDWAY BATON OF HOPE TOUR, 22 SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE

 

Medway 

• 9am: Welcome arrival of the baton to MidKent College and Glassbox Theatre. Official tour opening speech from Baton of Hope founder Mike McCarthy.

• 9.30 - 10.30am: The baton is carried through Great Lines Park into University Campus to Chatham Maritime Marina. 

• 10.30 - 10.55am: The baton boards Kent Fire and Rescue Service launch speed boat at Marina Jetty and heads up River Medway to Rochester Esplanade.

• 11.00 - 11.40am: The baton is taken off the boat and carried into the High Street and on to Rochester Castle Garden grounds and Rochester Cathedral. Music, zumba and wellbeing activities continue in castle grounds area until 1.30pm. 

 

Maidstone

• 11:40am - Noon: The baton leaves Medway and is taken to Invicta Park Barracks.

• 12.05 - 12.15pm: The baton is walked to Maidstone Football Club (FC)

• 12.15 - 12.30pm: The baton is greeted by players on the pitch during a break of Maidstone United FC’s Under 11's School Tournament.

• 12.30 – 12.55pm: The baton is carried to County Hall where it will be met by public health leaders.

• 12.55 - 1.15pm: The baton is carried through Brenchley Gardens, past Maidstone Museum and through Fremlin Walk into Jubilee Square.

• 1.15 - 1.30pm: The Mayor of Maidstone will greet the baton outside Town Hall, Jubilee Square before carrying the baton down Gabriels Hill to Mote Avenue.

• 1.30 - 2pm: Samba drummers walk with baton bearers along Mote Avenue into Mote Park to join the family fun ‘Hope in the Park’ event that will be happening between 10am-2pm. 

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Canterbury 

• 2.15 - 3pm: The baton is taken to Canterbury, arriving at the Queningate Car Park.

• 3 - 3.30pm: The baton is carried through south Canterbury to join the ‘Together for Hope’ event at Canterbury Christ Church University’s Augustine House.

• 4.30 - 5.15pm: After a speech by award-winning mental health campaigner Ben West, the baton leaves Augustine House and makes its way through central Canterbury, finishing at Canterbury Safe Haven.

 

Thanet

• 5.15pm: The Community Driving School takes the baton by car to Margate.

• 6.10pm: Starting at Nayland Rock Shelter the baton is accompanied by a marching band along the seafront, pausing at Margate Steps and the Turner Contemporary before heading along the Harbour Arm, then back into Margate’s Old Town for 'Afternoon of Hope' event that will already be in full swing.   

• 6.55pm: The baton makes its final journey of the day, from Old Town to Dreamland.

• 7.30pm: The day ends with the ‘Evening of Hope’ finale.  Acts will include, Britain’s Got Talent’s dance group Midlife Movers‘ and World Slam Poetry Champion Harry Baker. Book your tickets here: An Evening of Hope at Dreamland Margate.

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To sponsor the Kent & Medway leg of the tour, please visit our JustGiving page.

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We have plenty of volunteer opportunities so please do get in touch if you'd like to help - alice@batonofhopeuk.org

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