The Baton of Hope to Illuminate Bradford

Bradford District and Craven Mind are proud to be supporting the Baton of Hope as it makes its way through the city on 9th September 2025. 

Following the success of the inaugural 2023 tour, which saw the baton travel through 12 cities from Glasgow to London, the 2025 tour will expand its reach to 20 locations across the UK. Bradford, recognised as a City of Culture, has been chosen as one of these prestigious stops from a pool of many applicants.

The Baton of Hope is a powerful symbol in the mission to prevent suicide. As it journeys across the country, the baton will be passed hand to hand, carrying messages of remembrance, survival, and change. Applications are now open for those who wish to bear the baton—whether in memory of a loved one lost to suicide or in recognition of their own survival. Applications close on 31st March 2025.

Hisham Almahayni, Senior Service Manager at Bradford District and Craven Mind said:

The Baton of Hope is a movement to inspire change, challenge stigma around suicide, and bring communities together in support and remembrance. At BDC Mind we stand united in this mission, to ensure no one faces a mental health issue alone. We are excited to be supporting this campaign to bring Bradford together to create meaningful change.

A Legacy of Hope and Action

Among those championing this cause are Anna and Roger, who tragically lost their daughter Ellen to suicide in 2017. In her memory, they have dedicated themselves to suicide prevention, advocating for better mental health services and support for those bereaved by suicide—causes that were deeply important to Ellen herself. Their efforts, alongside many others, continue to fuel the Baton of Hope’s mission: to change the way we talk about suicide and ensure better support is in place for those affected.

A Journey Through Bradford

The Baton of Hope’s route through Bradford will be a day filled with reflection, conversation, and community action. The journey will begin at Top Withens in Haworth, a site of literary and cultural significance, before making its way through Haworth village, stopping at the Brontë Parsonage and a Business Breakfast at Cobbles and Clay—with tickets soon to be available for those wishing to attend. From there, the baton will move on to Keighley College, focusing on young people in education, before continuing through Bingley and arriving at Saltaire.

A key lunchtime event will be held at Salt Beer Factory, fostering discussions around mental health and support networks. The afternoon will see the baton pass through Lister Park before heading into the heart of Bradford via The Broadway shopping centre, culminating in a poignant and inspiring finale event at City Hall. In the evening, the day will conclude with an uplifting entertainment show at a venue to be confirmed.

A Movement for Change

Throughout the day, the Baton of Hope’s journey will spotlight different communities affected by suicide, highlighting the need for open conversations, awareness, and tangible support systems. With more than 6,000 lives lost to suicide in the UK each year, the Baton of Hope movement is driving a national effort to break the stigma, inspire hope, and push for change.

For more information, to apply to be a baton bearer, or to find out how you can get involved, visit the website below.

Baton of Hope

Posted on: 24th February 2025