The Baton of Hope is a UK-wide suicide prevention initiative that brings together communities, organisations, businesses and individuals to raise awareness, challenge stigma and encourage more open conversations about suicide.  

The Baton of Hope first came to Birmingham in 2023, when people from the city and across the West Midlands came together to carry the Baton and share a powerful message of hope and support.  

Its return comes at a time when the need to keep suicide prevention high on the public agenda remains as important as ever.  

The Baton is returning thanks to a joint bid between Birmingham City Council, Samaritans Birmingham, Cruse Bereavement Support Birmingham, James’ Place and the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust. 

In 2024, 89 people in Birmingham died by suicide. Every one of those deaths has a devastating impact on families, friends, colleagues and communities, with research indicating that each suicide directly affects around 135 people. This means thousands of people across the city can be affected by a single death. 

Birmingham City Council’s approach recognises that suicide prevention is not the responsibility of one organisation or service. The council’s Creating a Mentally Healthy City Strategy and Suicide Prevention Action Plan place prevention, early intervention, community involvement and partnership at the heart of efforts to reduce suicide. 

The Baton of Hope provides an opportunity to take that work beyond services and into communities; encouraging people to talk about suicide, recognise when someone may be struggling and know where to turn for help. 

Cllr Nosheen Khalid, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care at Birmingham City Council, said:  

“We’re delighted that the Baton of Hope is returning to Birmingham in 2027, but this is about much more than welcoming an event back into our city. 

“Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and behind every statistic is a family, a friendship group, a workplace and community left dealing with the consequences. 

“The Baton of Hope gives us a very visible way of saying that suicide prevention matters, and that none of us should be afraid of talking about it. The Baton’s return provides the region with an opportunity to come together, remember those we have lost, support those who are struggling and, most importantly, encourage conversations that could help someone get through a difficult moment.” 

Lorraine Green, Director of Samaritans Birmingham, said:  

“We are honoured that Birmingham has been chosen to host the Baton of Hope in 2027, and immensely proud that Birmingham Samaritans will play a part in bringing it to our city.  

“Our goal has always been simple: Fewer people die by suicide. Every day, our volunteers listen without judgement to people who are struggling, and this initiative shines a vital light on suicide prevention and the importance of reaching out for support.  

“We hope the Baton of Hope will spark conversations across Birmingham, remind people that they are never alone, and show that it's always okay to reach out.” 

Lesley Hales, Midlands Regional Manager at Cruse Bereavement Services, said: 

“We’re absolutely delighted to be part of the Baton of Hope 2027 and are really looking forward to working again alongside the Suicide Prevention Advisory Group, colleagues across Birmingham City Council, and partners from the VCSE, health, sport and private sectors to make the Baton of Hope Tour 2027 something truly special. 

“The 2027 Tour offers a unique opportunity to create a city-wide programme that is both a place of remembrance and a beacon of hope. By making use of the wonderful venues, spaces and communities that Birmingham has to offer, we can create opportunities for people to remember loved ones, share their stories, have their voices heard, and help challenge the stigma that can still surround suicide and mental health. 

“Together, I hope we can create an event that honours those we have lost, but also raises awareness, encourages conversation, promotes help-seeking, and leaves a lasting legacy for the city and its residents.” 

Ciaran Brady, Head of Centre Birmingham at James’ Place, said: 

“It’s fantastic news that Birmingham has been chosen to be part of Baton of Hope for 2027, and I’m proud to be working alongside local partners on something so important for our city.  

“Birmingham is a place built on community, resilience and looking out for one another, and for men who have experienced crisis, or who may be struggling right now, I hope this tour sends a clear message; that they are not alone and that support is in our city.  

“My hope is that this will lead to honest conversations, challenge stigma, and encourages people across Birmingham to check in on the men in their lives, ask how they really are, and help them reach out for support.” 

Patrick Nyarumbu MBE, Deputy Chief Executive of the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: 

“The Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust is dedicated to suicide prevention, supporting those at risk and helping to save lives across the city.” 

The Baton of Hope was created as a symbol of suicide prevention and has travelled across the UK since its inaugural tour in 2023, and a second tour in 2025. The 2027 edition will visit 20 locations across the UK, with more than 60 communities having applied to host a leg of the tour. 

Further details about the Birmingham route, events, Baton bearers and opportunities for local organisations and communities to get involved will be announced in due course.  

More information about suicide prevention, including links to help and support, can be found on Birmingham City Council’s website.

The Council’s message remains clear: suicide is preventable, conversations can save lives and suicide is everyone’s business.