Famous landmarks, firefighters, footballers, and Britain’s Got Talent over-40s dance sensation Midlife Movers are among those preparing to welcome the world’s biggest suicide prevention campaign – the Baton of Hope Tour – as it makes its first visit to Kent and Medway next week.
More than 130 local residents will take turns carrying the campaign’s Olympic torch-style baton through Medway, Maidstone, Canterbury, and Thanet on Monday 22 September.
Maidstone leg timings
- 11:40am to 12:00pm: The baton departs Medway and arrives at Invicta Park Barracks
- 12:05 to 12:15pm: The baton is walked to Gallagher Stadium
- 12:15 to 12:30pm: The baton is welcomed by players on the pitch during a break in Maidstone United FC’s Under-11s School Tournament, hosted by club charity Stones in the Community
- 12:30 to 12:55pm: The baton is carried to County Hall, where it will be met by public health leaders
- 12:55 to 1:15pm: Baton bearers carry it via Brenchley Gardens, Maidstone Museum, and Fremlin Walk into Jubilee Square
- 1:15 to 1:30pm: The Mayor of Maidstone greets the baton outside Town Hall, Jubilee Square, and carries it down Gabriel’s Hill to Mote Avenue
- 1:30 to 2:00pm: Samba drummers accompany baton bearers along Mote Avenue into Mote Park, joining the family-friendly Hope in the Park event, running from 10am to 2pm
The Baton of Hope’s visit to Kent and Medway is supported by a wide range of partners, including Kent County Council, Medway Council, NHS Kent and Medway, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Canterbury Christ Church University, Mid Kent Mind, Maidstone United Football Club, and Maidstone Borough Council.
The Baton of Hope Tour 2025 will visit 20 locations across the UK. It began in Blackpool a fortnight ago and will conclude in Wrexham on Saturday, 4 October, ahead of a finale in Westminster, London, on 10 October.
The Baton of Hope was born from the grief of two fathers. Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip first connected on social media and quickly realised, over coffee, that they were kindred spirits – each mourning the loss of a son to suicide. Despite their heartbreak, they were determined to create hope for others facing similar despair. Their shared mission led them to become passionate advocates for change in UK suicide prevention policy.
For more information, visit: www.batonofhopeuk.org
Need help? These organisations offer support
- Samaritans – 116 123
- CALM – 0800 58 58 58
- Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
- PAPYRUS (Under 35s) – 0800 068 4141
- SWITCHBOARD (LGBTQ+) – 0300 330 0630
