Doncaster Selected to Host Baton of Hope Tour27 for Suicide Prevention Awareness

Doncaster has been selected to host the Baton of Hope Tour27, a significant event aimed at raising awareness about suicide prevention. This tour will take place in 2027, making Doncaster one of just 20 locations chosen from over 60 applicants across the UK. The Baton of Hope is not just a physical object; it represents a powerful movement designed to spark conversations about mental health and provide hope to those in need.

Background of the Baton of Hope

The Baton of Hope was created in response to the heart-breaking loss experienced by fathers Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip, who both lost their sons to suicide. Their shared grief led them to establish a movement that would encourage communities to discuss mental health openly and reduce the stigma surrounding it. The first Baton of Hope tour took place in 2023, travelling through 12 UK locations and engaging people in conversations about suicide prevention. The movement expanded in 2025, reaching 20 locations over 40 days and receiving royal endorsement from HRH The Prince of Wales.

Doncaster's Role in Tour27

Charlotte Lister, the CSR and Partnerships Manager at the Crown Bawtry Collection, has been appointed as the Project Lead for Doncaster’s Tour27 programme. Charlotte’s experience in building relationships between various sectors, including businesses, charities, and local communities, will be pivotal in the planning and execution of the event. She expressed her commitment to making this tour a meaningful opportunity for the city:

“This is so much bigger than bringing an event to Doncaster. Every statistic represents a person, and around that person is a family, a friendship group, a workplace and a community.”

Understanding the Need for Awareness

The need for such a movement is underscored by local statistics. In 2023, Doncaster’s public health reporting indicated that there were 37 deaths suspected to be suicide, with 32 males and five females among those lost. Additionally, data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) revealed that Doncaster had the sixth-highest female suicide rate in England between 2021 and 2023, with 8.8 deaths per 100,000 compared to the national average of 5.4. This trend reflects a wider regional issue, as Yorkshire and the Humber experienced a significant rise in the suicide rate from 12.2 to 13.7 deaths per 100,000 between 2023 and 2024.

The Collaborative Committee

To effectively manage the Baton of Hope Tour27, Charlotte will lead a committee that includes representatives from various sectors, such as:

• Jade Dyer from Doncaster Chamber

• Laura Hemstock and Shaun Lockwood from DRFC Commercial

• Lorna Reeve from Visit Doncaster

• Ross Jarvie from Visit Bawtry

• Lee Pitcher MP

• Sarah Smith from Doncaster Council Public Health

• Teresa Hodgson, Armed Forces Lead at Doncaster Council

This diverse committee will work together to create a route and programme that reflects the unique character of Doncaster, involving local organisations, businesses, and individuals who are already engaged in supporting mental health and suicide prevention.

Looking Ahead

While the specific details regarding the route and opportunities for Baton Bearers are still being finalised, the planning process is already underway. The Baton of Hope Tour27 aims to not only bring attention to the issue of suicide prevention but also to foster a sense of community and connection among residents. Charlotte Lister emphasised the importance of this collaborative approach:

“Tour27 gives us an incredible opportunity to unite Doncaster around one shared message of hope. I don’t want our success to be measured simply by what happens on the day the Baton comes through the city. I want us to build something that starts conversations, strengthens connections and leaves a legacy long after the Baton has moved on.”

The Importance of Conversations

The Baton of Hope Tour27 represents a chance for Doncaster to engage in vital conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. By bringing together various sectors of the community, the initiative aims to challenge the stigma surrounding these topics and encourage individuals to seek help and support. Every life lost to suicide impacts not just the individual but also their family, friends, and community. Therefore, the Baton of Hope serves as a reminder that support is available, and hope can be found even in the darkest times.

As planning progresses, more information about the event will be shared, including ways for local businesses and residents to get involved. The Baton of Hope Tour27 promises to be a significant milestone for Doncaster, reinforcing the message that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility and that together, communities can create lasting change.