We are proud to share that Karen Clare, our CEE Service Co-ordinator, recently completed the Baton of Hope Walk in Torbay on 30th September 2025, covering an impressive 14 miles, 40,000 steps, and three towns in just 10 hours.
The Baton of Hope is part of the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative, aimed at promoting better mental health, raising awareness of the impact of suicide, and spreading a message of hope. Torbay was selected to host the South West leg of the event, which involved 100 baton bearers participating in a relay walk across Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham, with wellbeing events held along the route, culminating in the BIG Show of Hope.
Karen described the day as both emotional and inspiring:
“Although it was an emotional day, we managed to find humour, forge new friendships, but most importantly we helped to create awareness, provide education, and challenge the stigma that sadly still exists around suicide and poor mental health.”
A highlight for Karen was carrying the Baton onto the RNLI lifeboat in Brixham and sailing it across the water to Torbay—a truly unique experience. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, the event raised over £2,000 to support mental health initiatives.
The Baton of Hope encourages open conversations about mental health and suicide, helping people spot the signs, ask the right questions, and listen without judgement. In Torbay, where an estimated 2,700 local residents are impacted by suicide each year, initiatives like this are vital to making a lasting difference.
Find out more about the Baton of Hope charity on their website by clicking here.