Who
We Are

Bringing Change & Hope

A national movement to prevent suicide, raise awareness and save lives through proactive change. We are The Baton of Hope – formerly known as The Baton of Hope UK.

We are a growing movement determined to stand up to suicide. We believe change happens when ordinary people refuse to stay silent, when open and honest conversations replace stigma, and when every life is treated like it matters. Because it does.

The Story of The Baton of Hope

The Baton of Hope began in 2022 with two fathers reaching out in their grief. Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip first met on social media and recognised when they chatted over coffee that they were kindred spirits – each suffering unbearable loss.

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.

Having been invited to meet the then Health Secretary Sajid Javid MP in June 2022 and having briefed him on the vital actions needed across Government they were able to secure Mr. Javid’s endorsement and support for The Baton of Hope campaign announced on BBC Breakfast the following day.

Our Purpose

Bringing change and hope to the world because no one deserves to die by suicide.

“We must be proactive
and not just reactive”

To achieve this the Baton of Hope will:

Educate

Provide education, resources and training on suicide awareness & prevention and mental wellbeing.

Unite

Unite all bereaved or affected by suicide.

Seek Change

Actively lobby for changes to national guidelines, regulations, services, curriculums, and law.

“Our tour unites all.
Our pledges educate all.”

Our Mission

We believe that almost all deaths by suicide are preventable, right up until the point of action; and that all of society has a duty of care. Through campaigning, public education and awareness, a series of pledges and lobbying, we will create change.

By working with partners, fellow charities and communities we will work tirelessly to make suicide prevention a top priority.

We will give hope and save lives.

Boost the national conversation to eliminate the stigma around this issue.

Provide training and advice on best practice suicide prevention in the workplace.

Create better signposting for those who feel they need support, or who want to help a friend, a pupil, or a co-worker.

Shine a spotlight on actions that do not support – or actively harm – people’s mental health, and showcase good practice.

Summarise key suicide prevention steps that can be taken by institutions, businesses, public agencies, communities, and individuals.

Positively challenge the UK Government and public institutions to aim higher on suicide prevention – the time for action is now.

Connect and collaborate with people and organisations that are already working to save lives.

Our Values

Our values are what shape and guide us and always lie at the heart of our work.

Compassion
Integrity
Credibility

All our work, resources and education are underpinned and assured by clinicians and subject matter experts in their field.
All of our trustees, staff and volunteers have either lived experience of suicide or have chosen to join our cause to work towards a zero suicide society.
Collaboration
Challenging

“We will be the megaphone through which all involved in suicide prevention can have one loud voice to action change”

Stand Up To Suicide: What Does it Mean?

Stand Up To Suicide is our core message at The Baton of Hope, used as part of our mission, marketing campaigns, events and beyond. We use this to drive the message of how we need to tackle this global problem, the need for real action around suicide prevention and awareness, and working towards a zero-suicide society.

But what does it mean? Here are five key points explaining Stand Up To Suicide:

Acknowledge the magnitude of the societal catastrophe that is suicide
Recognise that we have NOT reduced the figures for 20 years
Educate yourself as to the measures we can ALL take to reduce the figures
Be prepared (in whatever way you can manage) to help
Look after your own mental fitness

Standing up doesn’t require specialist training. It starts with something simple and human:
Notice. Listen. Speak. Support.
That’s how hope begins.

Get Involved

Movements only move when people do. If you believe every life is worth fighting for, you belong here. Find out how you can get involved with The Baton of Hope and our mission of creating real change around suicide prevention and awareness.