On the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September), The Baton of Hope suicide prevention charity has confirmed the dates for its 2027 UK Tour.
From 1st September 2027, the world’s first physical symbol of mental wellbeing will start on its most ambitious journey to date.
Preparations are already underway to host the Baton in Northern Ireland, on the 3rd and 4th October.
Alex Bunting, Group Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services at Inspire, said:
“Inspire is immensely proud to be leading the Baton of Hope across Northern Ireland in 2027. Every community in Northern Ireland has been touched by suicide in some way, and while the statistics remind us of the scale of the challenge, we must never forget that behind every statistic is a person, a family and a community.
“The Baton of Hope provides a unique opportunity to bring people together, amplify the voices of those affected by suicide, and encourage open conversations about mental health and wellbeing. As the baton travels through towns, villages and cities across Northern Ireland, it will carry a powerful message of hope, reminding people that support is available and that together we can all play a part in preventing suicide and saving lives.”
The area is one of 21 locations selected to take part in the relay around England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man throughout September and October next year.
In Northern Ireland, communities will unite to organise a day of activities and events to coincide with the Baton’s arrival connecting suicide prevention charities and mental health organisations as the Baton is passed from one person to another in a physical reminder of a shared responsibility.
In 2025 more than 1,000 Baton Bearers carried the embodiment of the charity’s name, with each Baton Bearer driven by their desire to change society’s attitudes to suicide.
Celebrities, sports personalities and politicians joining ordinary people made extraordinary by their courage and bravery in carrying the Baton on its way.
All were selected because of their personal stories of bereavement, or their lived experience of the impact of suicide.
The Baton of Hope is the charity’s physical symbol of hope carefully handcrafted by Thomas Lyte, a Royal Warrant holder as goldsmiths and silversmiths to His Majesty the King Charles III, and makers of the Emirates FA Cup and other exquisite trophies.
The 2027 campaign builds on the resounding success of previous Tours in 2025 and 2023 and marks the vital role the suicide prevention and awareness charity plays in saving lives
Mike McCarthy, Co-Founder & Chair of The Baton of Hope, said: “This is one of the most difficult subjects to talk about, but the Tour is as much about life and hope as it is about death and despair. Even if we bring just the smallest glimmer of hope to someone, we have opened a door.”
Like Mike, who lost his son Ross to suicide in 2021, many are driven by the legacy of their loved ones.
“Ross asked me in his goodbye letter if I would fight for mental health support, and use my voice as a journalist to make people listen. To me the greatest privilege, the greatest cause is to save a life.”
The online application process for the 2027 Baton Bearers also opens this week, on World Suicide Prevention Day, with details on how to apply on the charity’s website and social media.
The Baton of Hope is a member of the National Suicide Prevention Network, an initiative launched by the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Royal Foundation, bringing together charities and organisations to transform suicide prevention in the UK.
Following the success of the 2025 tour, the Prince of Wales endorsed the charity’s work and, in a letter to Mike, wrote: “Together you have united people and communities across the UK to open up a national conversation on suicide.”