Mark Jones was editor of The Gazette for 13 years from 2002-2015. He has worked in Basingstoke in various roles for nearly 30 years, and is the founder of Mr Blue Sky Consultancy and the #StrongerTogetherForum.
What three wishes do you have for Basingstoke in 2026?
That’s one of the questions I asked Marie Greenhalgh, relationships director at Inclusion Education, in Basingstoke, when she was my guest for the first Mr Blue Sky Conversation that is a feature of the newly-launched #StrongerTogetherForum.
Marie’s response was that three things came to mind immediately, all rooted in hope, community, and belonging.
1️⃣ A town leading the way in suicide prevention and awareness
Marie said: ‘’We are in a mental health and suicide crisis, and the numbers are rising. We must take action.
‘’Whether it’s signing the Baton of Hope UK Workplace Place Pledge, embedding the BSI Standard for Suicide Prevention in workplaces, or simply creating space for honest conversations and better signposting, Basingstoke has the potential to lead nationally. Keeping that Baton of Hope legacy alive matters.’’
2️⃣ Clear pathways into employment for young people
Marie told the audience: ‘’Many young people face barriers: mental health needs, loss of confidence, neurodivergence. We need a joined‑up approach between mainstream education, specialist settings and employers.
‘’Employers play a crucial role, not just in being open to inclusion, but in being supported and equipped to build truly diverse, welcoming workplaces.
‘’Our young people deserve to know there is a future for them here in Basingstoke.”
3️⃣ Stronger community touchpoints that keep hope alive
Marie said: “Events, meet‑ups, warm spaces, familiar faces - these moments matter more than we realise.
‘’The #StrongerTogetherForum launch event reminded me of that: the warm welcome, the familiar people, the time to connect.
‘’We need more places where people can come together, feel supported, and know exactly where to go for help. Hope grows in community.’’
I really hope that Marie’s three wishes for Basingstoke come true in 2026, and I would urge businesses, charities and community organisations to engage with Marie and her colleagues at Inclusion Education - https://inclusioneducation.org.uk – to find out how you can play your part in making a difference.
So what three wishes do you have for Basingstoke in 2026?
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