WORCESTERSHIRE will welcome a Baton of Hope as part of its virtual tour of the UK’s towns and cities.
The baton is the biggest suicide awareness and prevention project the UK has ever seen. It’s designed to help people open up necessary conversations and prompt appropriate actions.
Everyone is invited to become a virtual baton bearer and play their part in starting these important conversations.
Lucy Alexander is one of Worcestershire’s virtual bearers of the baton of hope.
Her 17-year-old son Felix took his own life in 2016 and the devoted mum and campaigner wants his legacy to be one which helps promote a kinder society.
Lucy acts as an ambassador for HRH Princess of Wales’ patronage and young people’s charity, Place2Be, giving talks in schools to pupils across Worcestershire and the country.
Lucy also supports Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s Now Were Talking to Prevent Suicide campaign.
County residents can join Lucy by uploading a photo to become a virtual baton bearer.
Visit batonofhopeuk.org for more and once shared on social media use the hashtag #BatonOfHopeUK.
Coun Karen May, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing said: “The Baton of Hope is a powerful symbol showing together we can get better at asking questions, listening, and directing people to the right help.
“We hope this raises awareness and brings people together from across Worcestershire. It’s also a way of acknowledging and marking our respects to the thousands of lives lost each year in the country to suicide.”
The baton has been designed by the official gold and silversmiths to King Charles III and makers of the FA Cup, Thomas Lyte.
The top of the baton has been designed around the semi-colon sign which has become an important and increasingly recognised symbol of suicide prevention and support.
Call Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s Urgent Mental Health Helpline on 0808 196 9127 or text WOO to 85258 for free, confidential, anonymous text support.
