Baton of Hope suicide prevention tour comes to Basingstoke

The Baton of Hope, the UK's biggest ever suicide prevention initiative, travelled to Basingstoke on its tour on Thursday, September 25.

Baton bearers from Basingstoke paraded it through the town centre on a mission to bring about a change in the way suicide is approached and how those affected by it are supported.

The aim of the cause was to bring together businesses, leaders, celebrities and charities fighting for the same outcome, to boost the national conversation and eliminate the stigma around the issue, signposting people to the correct help along the way.

The Baton of Hope(Image: Newsquest)

The Basingstoke leg of the journey was organised by Inclusion Education, and saw the baton travel by canal barge and train.

It visited key community initiatives, including The Camrose Centre and Basingstoke Voluntary Action Volunteers Hub, wrapping up with a gentle 'walk and talk' in The War Memorial Park.

The day began with the baton travelling up Basingstoke Canal to the Barley Mow pub in Winchfield. A farm transport then took the baton to Winchfield railway station, where it then travelled to Basingstoke railway station.

A quick car trip took the baton to Belvedere House, Basing View, where the official launch was held with several speakers and an art exhibition with a memorial quilt and film.

The baton then made its way to the Camrose Centre for engagement with the homeless community, and traversed Glebe Gardens to get to Festival Place, where it stopped for a mental health pause and music.

The baton then made its way to The Tea Bar at 2pm for some live music, then to the Orchard in the War Memorial Park for charity talks and a presentation and finally on a final, gentle walk and talk around the park.

This gallery shows several photos from the day.