Baton of Hope video to premiere on Youtube
Published
Wednesday 5 November, 2025
Updated
Thursday 13 November, 2025
This article discusses sensitive topics including suicide
A video showcasing the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative’s, Baton of Hope, tour around Sheerness will premiere on Swale Borough Council’s YouTube channel on 10 November.
The council teamed up with the Medway & Swale Health and Care Partnership and a variety of local partners to host a baton pass event earlier this year (21 September).
A video production company based in Masters House, NDH Productions, chronicled the event by creating an incredible video, allowing you to follow the Baton’s journey which you can see by tuning into the first showing of the video at 7pm.
Eight teams joined the Mayor of Swale in carrying the baton in a relay, leaving from EKC Secondary School, moving along the seafront to the Shingle Bank and back.
The teams that took part in the incredible day were Swale Borough Council's Community and Partnerships Team, NexYouth CIC, KCC’s Gypsy, Roma and Travellers Project Team, Oasis Youth and Community Hub, KFRS, We Are With You, Kier, and Medway, Mentalk Health – Sittingbourne and Swale HCP.
Motivational and moving speeches from guest speakers took place after the baton arrived back at the school - where a charity village was setup to offer people invaluable support.
The charity village featured a variety of community stalls providing information and advice, along with refreshments from EKC’s Dementia Café, and entertainment.
The relay baton, a beautifully and intricately designed symbol of hope, travels across the UK each year to create unity within the suicide prevention community.
The event aimed to help raise awareness of suicide prevention support; call out suicide stigma; and celebrate absent loved ones, as well as those who have been able to find hope and stay with us.
Cllr Hannah Perkin, chair of the Housing, Health and Communities Committee said:
“A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible, the charities and baton bearer teams have helped us tackle the stigma around suicide and create awareness around the important support that is available.
“The baton is a true symbol of hope, that can help those that are struggling find the strength to ask for help and be supported to recover, and we are incredibly proud to have taken it on a journey within Swale.
“The video of the tour of Sheerness is incredible, motivational and hope inspiring - so please tune in for the premiere streaming on our YouTube on 10 November!”
“Whether you are struggling with your health and wellbeing or with the cost of living – please reach out for help, there are incredible organisations in Swale who are ready to offer tailored support, and, most importantly, show that there is hope.”
Cllr Karen Watson, the Mayor of Swale, said:
“The Baton of Hope began when two fathers reached out in their grief. Despite their bereavement, the men were determined to create hope for others facing the despair their sons had faced, and they became passionate advocates for change in UK suicide prevention policy.
“The baton we passed is a symbol of hope, a symbol of a journey - for many of us that journey has been dark and difficult.
“It isn't just for those who have been through the worst, it's for all of us - it's the parents worried about their child, the teenager feeling lost, the neighbour who seems withdrawn, or the person who feels the pressure of the world on their shoulders.”
You can tune into the showcase of the incredible day by watching the video live on Swale Borough Council’s YouTube channel, premiering at 7pm on 10 November 2025.
If you need support with your mental health:
- For support and information visit: www.kmhealthandcare.uk/mental-wellbeing-information-hub
- Or call Release The Pressure Helpline - Kent Phone number 0800 107 0160 open 24hrs
- If you need urgent help, call 111 and select the mental health option, or call 999 immediately if someone’s life is at risk.
- Bereaved by suicide? Reach out to www.amparo.org.uk
- You can also get free training to build confidence talking about difficult emotions and needing mental health support - www.midkentmind.org.uk/training
