A SYMBOLIC baton representing mental wellbeing will be carried through Tameside for the first time later this year.
It’s part of a special UK-wide tour to inspire hope through action in suicide prevention.
The borough has been chosen as one of 20 locations to host the ‘Baton of Hope’ on its tour in September to October, to raise awareness and challenge stigma around suicide.
Tameside is set to host a powerful leg of the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative on Friday, September 12.
It’s being organised by The Anthony Seddon Fund, the peer support mental health charity based in Ashton-under-Lyne, along with other local organisations and stakeholders.
“Hosting the Baton of Hope in Tameside is a chance for our community to unite, share stories, and create lasting change,” said the charity’s general manager Ben James.
“We encourage anyone inspired by this movement to get involved as a Baton Bearer, help out in any way they can, or have a conversation about mental health.”
The ‘Baton of Hope’ suicide prevention charity is founded by Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip, who have both lost sons to suicide.
When the third annual tour calls through Tameside, it will follow a specially planned route – with full details to be announced soon.
There’s the opportunity for those with inspiring stories of hope, resilience or lived experience of suicide to apply to be a Baton Bearer during the Tameside leg of the tour.
Applications are open at https://batonofhopeuk.org/become-a-baton-bearer
The Anthony Seddon Fund is also looking for local businesses and organisations to support the ‘Baton of Hope’ event through sponsorship, fundraising events, volunteering, and providing facilities and services.
People can find out more and express their interest by visiting www.tasfund.org.uk/sponsorship-and-fundraising or contacting the charity directly by calling 0161 376 4439 or emailing reception@tasfund.org.uk