Help make the Baton of Hope Torbay a success

More than 100 people have come forward to help carry the Baton of Hope through Torbay this year – but there are still opportunities for you to be involved in the charity relay on Tuesday 30 September.

Torbay is the only area selected in the South West to be part of the national tour, which was devised by a suicide prevention charity as a parallel icon to the Olympic torch – but one that celebrates mental wellbeing and honours the memory of those lost to suicide.

The walking relay will go through Torquay, Paignton and Brixham and there will be events and activities along the way, including an all-day event village. It will culminate in a final celebration fundraising event.

This means that lots of volunteers are needed to help the event run smoothly.

Roles include:

• Walking stewards – to help support baton bearers as they walk the route
• Event stewards – to help support local wellbeing events

Paignton café owner Lesley Morrison is one of the baton bearers. She said: “I am so pleased to have been selected as a baton bearer. I tragically lost a young family member a number of years ago; it was such a shock to us all. He had been through so much and yet was always smiling.

“I have also struggled with my own mental health in the past. I want to honour the memories of those we have lost and also stand as an example of someone who has stared into the darkness and is thankful to have come out the other side.”

Councillor Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and one of the baton bearers, said: “Very sadly I have known too many people who ended their lives by suicide, including youngsters. It is an honour to be chosen as a baton bearer and to walk in their memory.

“If you’d like to get involved with this special day there are lots of opportunities for you to help play your part and make it a day to remember for our Bay.”

Matt Dart, volunteer co-ordinator at Torbay Communities, which is overseeing volunteer recruitment, said: “The Baton of Hope needs around 100 volunteers to cover Torquay, Paignton and Brixham during the day and into the evening.

“This is an amazing opportunity to show the rest of the country that we stand together in Torbay to support the need for more action to prevent suicide in our Bay and across the UK. 

“As long as you are 18 or over you can become a volunteer, supporting the safe delivery of the Baton of Hope. Volunteers will be provided with training, plus you will have full support throughout the day.

“Not only does volunteering give you a great sense of pride, it is also good for your own mental wellbeing. If you feel you could give up a couple of hours or longer to help support this event, please come forward.”

To find out more about becoming a volunteer, email batonofhope@torbay.gov.uk or call 01803 446022.

Follow the Baton of Hope Torbay Facebook page to get involved and receive the latest updates.