The Baton of Hope Tour | News

North London Mental Health Partnership took part in a Baton of Hope suicide prevention event at Arsenal’s stadium.

Michael Dunning, Associate Director of Nursing, Islington, and Ruth Watson, Head Occupational Therapist, Islington, represented the Partnership (Michael is pictured holding the Baton) at the Emirates Stadium as part of a nationwide tour aimed at raising awareness and giving a unifying message of hope to those affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts. Michael is the Suicide Prevention Lead for the Partnership. 

Michael said: ‘It was really touching to be part of this event. The Baton of Hope initiative sends a really powerful message about the joint effort that is required across all walks of life to provide hope to people who feel hopeless. This also reflects all of the good work that we're doing in the Partnership to provide safe passage through a crisis for people who are at risk of taking their own lives’

We have worked with Arsenal in the Community for many years, providing sessions for service users twice a week, with the aim of increasing mental and physical well-being through participating in a regular group exercise activity.

Ruth said: "We were invited alongside Body and Soul, and the Brandon Centre, with Arsenal in the Community to represent the partnership work going on in Islington towards better mental health.  It was a privilege to stand together with Baton for Hope in their campaign.”

Baton of Hope was co-founded by Mike McCarthy, whose son Ross battled depression for a decade before taking his own life in 2021. Ross left behind a young son, a fiancée, and a heartfelt request that his family campaign for better mental health support and Mike is committed to honouring this final wish through the charity. The Baton’s final destination was the Houses of Parliament.

Mike said, “The significance of this event cannot be overestimated. For the first time, a physical symbol that can be passed from bearer to bearer – from sufferer to sufferer – is spreading a message that we needn’t struggle alone.”

More than 120 MPs have pledged to support the charity in its vision of a zero suicide society, such as Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who recently commended the charity’s work during Prime Minister’s Questions. A number of major organisations have also come on board as sponsors, including Alstom, Savills, Starbucks, TFL and Westfield Health.

The Baton of Hope Tour is an entirely non-profit initiative, with all donations going to spreading a message of hope to all those affected by suicide or mental ill health. You can find out more by visiting: https://batonofhopeuk.org/.