The Baton of Hope to visit Bath & North East Somerset as part of its 2027 tour
On the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September), The Baton of Hope suicide prevention charity has confirmed the dates for its 2027 UK Tour.
From 1st September 2027, the world’s first physical symbol of mental wellbeing will start on its most ambitious journey to date.
Preparations are already underway to host the Baton’s arrival in Bath & North East Somerset, on 11th September 2027.
David Jenkins, Project Lead commented: “We are delighted that the Baton of Hope will be visiting Bath & North East Somerset (BANES) as part of its 2027 tour. There is still a taboo associated with suicide, and we want to give people a voice to be able to express themselves before they reach crisis. As part of the Baton’s day in BANES we will be raising awareness of suicide, telling personal stories and shining a light on some of the amazing organisations in our area that provide support and hope.”
Bath & North East Somerset is one of 21 locations selected to take part in the relay around England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man throughout September and October next year.
Communities will unite to organise a day of activities and events to coincide with the Baton’s arrival connecting suicide prevention charities and mental health organisations as the Baton is passed from one person to another in a physical reminder of a shared responsibility.
In 2025 more than 1,000 Baton Bearers carried the embodiment of the charity’s name, with each Baton Bearer driven by their desire to change society’s attitudes to suicide.
Celebrities, sports personalities and politicians joined ordinary people made extraordinary by their courage and bravery in carrying the Baton on its way.
All were selected because of their personal stories of bereavement, or their lived experience of the impact of suicide.
The Baton of Hope is the charity’s physical symbol of hope carefully handcrafted by Thomas Lyte, a Royal Warrant holder as goldsmiths and silversmiths to His Majesty the King Charles III, and makers of the Emirates FA Cup and other exquisite trophies.
The 2027 campaign builds on the resounding success of previous Tours in 2025 and 2023 and marks the vital role the suicide prevention and awareness charity plays in saving lives
Mike McCarthy, Co-Founder & Chair of The Baton of Hope, said: “This is one of the most difficult subjects to talk about, but the Tour is as much about life and hope as it is about death and despair. Even if we bring just the smallest glimmer of hope to someone, we have opened a door.”
The online application process for the 2027 Baton Bearers also opens this week, on World Suicide Prevention Day, with details on how to apply on the charity’s website and social media.
Like Mike McCarthy, many are driven by the legacy of their loved ones. Mike lost his son Ross to suicide in 2021.
“Ross asked me in his goodbye letter if I would fight for mental health support, and use my voice as a journalist to make people listen. To me the greatest privilege, the greatest cause is to save a life.”
The Baton of Hope is a member of the National Suicide Prevention Network, an initiative launched by The Prince and Princess of Wales’ Royal Foundation, bringing together charities and organisations to help transform suicide prevention in the UK.
Following the success of the 2025 Tour, The Prince of Wales endorsed the charity’s work and in a letter to Mike, he wrote: "Together you have united people and communities across the UK to open up a national conversation on suicide.”
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