Please note this text includes a case study about loss so please take a moment before reading on. There’s also links below to support services if you want to talk or feel more confident about reaching out to someone who may be struggling.
More than 130 local residents applied to carry the campaign’s Olympic-torch style baton when it passes through Medway, Maidstone, Canterbury and Thanet on 22 September 2025 – our leg of the 2025 nationwide Baton of Hope Tour.
“I can’t wait to meet everyone and help you play your part – whether that’s to remember a loved one, celebrate your own rediscovery of hope, or raise awareness that suicide is everyone’s business”
Alice Scutchey, Kent and Medway Baton of Hope Tour coordinator, said: “We know from the initial tour we ran in 2023 that this campaign really speaks to people. But I never dreamed this many of you would come forward to be baton bearers. It’s been a really amazing response.
“I can’t wait to meet everyone and help you play your part – whether that’s to remember a loved one, celebrate your own rediscovery of hope, or raise awareness that suicide is everyone’s business.”
Alice is busy arranging meet-and-greet events for baton bearers so they are well prepared for the big day. Updates will be issued direct to baton bearers via email.
General information for baton bearers and the supporting public will also continue to be posted on Kent and Medway’s Baton of Hope Tour 2025 Facebook page and website at www.batonofhopekentandmedway.co.uk. So keep watching these spaces and follow #batonofhope and #passiton on social media.
As well as raising awareness of suicide prevention support, the Baton of Hope campaign works to tackle suicide stigma by encouraging everyone to talk openly about mental health struggles.
Overall, this year’s national tour will visit 20 locations around the country. It starts in Blackpool on 1 September and ends in Wrexham on 4 October, giving communities a chance to celebrate absent loved ones and all who have overcome difficult times along the way.
Rob Brady, from Canterbury, will be carrying the baton as it makes its way through Kent and Medway because “I know what it feels like to lose someone you love to silence.”
A baton bearer carrying the iconic Baton of Hope on the final day of the 2023 Tour, followed by family, friends and supporters
The dad of two said: “I applied to carry the Baton of Hope in memory of Chris and for everyone who felt they couldn’t say what they were really going through. Chris was my best friend, the life and soul of the party, the friendly face that everyone knew – although looking back now, I always felt there was something not right and only if I had the awareness I had today our conversations would have been different… it would of started with how are you ‘really’ mate?”
Further details of the Kent and Medway route have been released. See the highlights map and timetable for the Kent and Medway leg of the Baton of Hope Tour 2025.
More supporting events focused on the theme of hope are also planned as part of the build up to the 22 September including:
- a warm-up event in Folkestone on Sunday 21 September – where people can see the baton and find out about support services
- an exhibition of art on the theme of hope around Margate to mark the Tour coming to the town
Baton of Hope’s visit to Kent and Medway is backed by a range of partners, including Kent County Council (KCC) and Medway Council. Together, the councils run the NHS Kent and Medway funded Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Team, who successfully bid for Kent and Medway to be part of this year’s tour.
“...the 22 September will be a precious day”
Kent County Council's Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “We are committed to working with this inspiring campaign to shine a light on local suicide prevention support, tackle stigma and create lasting change to save lives.
“The response from residents to the appeal for baton bearers has been incredible and I would also like to add my thanks to all of you for applying. I know the 22 September will be a precious day for you and everyone in Kent who has experienced loss, or rediscovered hope.”
“As well as being a poignant way to remember loved ones, it is a way for conversations to start and encourage people to talk openly about their struggles”
Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Council, said: “The Baton Hope is a powerful campaign and something we are proud to support in Medway. As well as being a poignant way to remember loved ones, it is a way for conversations to start and encourage people to talk openly about their struggles.
“I would also like to remind people that there is support out there – if you are struggling please reach out for the help and support you deserve.”
- Mental health problems can affect any of us at any time in our lives. When life gets tough, talking can help. Call the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123, or chat in confidence to a trained Release the Pressure adviser, anytime, just text the word SHOUT to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160.
- Learn how to better help people with mental health issues, confidently have conversations or signpost to support, with free training with Mid Kent Mind. Men are less likely to seek help with their mental health and Movember Conversations also includes practical tools to help you speak with the men in your life who might be struggling.
- Find more information about mental health support in Kent and Medway by visiting the Kent and Medway Mental Wellbeing Hub.
