Fylde Coast businesses urged to back Baton of Hope launch to help save lives

Volunteers helping suicide survivors and their families are urging businesses to come out in support when an inspirational national relay starts on the Fylde Coast.

Blackpool will host the UK start of the symbolic Baton of Hope relay throughout an emotional and extensive tour of the Fylde Coast on Monday, September 1.

Businesses from across the area are encouraged to show their support by attending a special Baton of Hope launch event at The Village Hotel, Blackpool at 7am.

The Baton of Hope was founded in 2022 by Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip, both of whom lost their sons to suicide. Their mission is to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and promote hope and support for those struggling.

Blackpool has a significantly higher suicide rate (16.7 per 100,000 population) than England as a whole (10.7). There were 62 deaths from suicide and undetermined injury registered in Blackpool in the three-year period 2021-23; 74% (46) were male, 26% (16) were female.

Now Fylde Coast businesses are being asked to help raise awareness of the issue by giving their support to the Baton of Hope campaign.

The Fylde Coast Responsible Business Network is hosting an event to launch the Baton of Hope UK tour and asking businesses to turn up for 7am at The Village on September 1 in an emotional show of strength to support suicide survivors and their families.

The Baton of Hope will leave The Village Hotel at 8.30am on September 1 as it sets off on its UK tour.

The local project lead for Baton of Hope in Blackpool is Samantha Southern who is the Solace Suicide Prevention & Bereavement Manager for Empowerment Charity – a Blackpool-based organisation working to support vulnerable individuals across the Fylde Coast. Having previously walked with the Baton in memory of her husband, Sam was determined to bring the initiative to her hometown.

One hundred local people will be walking with courage and love for those lost and those left behind as they carry the famous Baton throughout the inaugural Blackpool leg of the 2025 UK tour route, setting off from the Village Hotel at 8.30am before touring Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.

The Baton will stop at local landmarks on the way – including Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool’s piers, and locations in Lytham and Fleetwood, before travelling to the top of Blackpool Tower and finishing the day on Blackpool Grand Theatre’s famous stage.

An evening celebration event will take place at Viva Blackpool hosted by Charlotte Dawson and local radio star Hayley Kay.

Sam said: “The Baton of Hope is the most impactful initiative I’ve seen for making suicide prevention everyone’s business, and I’m incredibly proud to be leading the first leg of the 2025 tour, with the support of Empowerment and Blackpool Council.

“Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50, and young people under 35, and we can’t afford to look away. This event will be an incredible day for Blackpool, but more importantly, it’s about the legacy we build – a legacy of connection, understanding and lasting hope for our community.”

Michelle Walker, Fylde Coast Responsible Business Network project manager, said: “We’re extremely proud of Sam Southern and the team at Empowerment who have successfully bid to launch the Baton of Hope tour in Blackpool this September.

“We’d like to invite members of the Fylde Coast Responsible Business Network (and other businesses) to our breakfast meeting ahead of launch of the UK tour to be a part of this incredibly powerful movement.

“This follows the success of last year’s inspiring network meeting, where Sam shared her lived experience and sparked meaningful conversations across our network.”

Michelle added: “We are aware that some schools will not yet have re-opened after the summer break, so please do feel free to bring your children along to this event. There will be a painting activity to keep them busy whilst you join in the event. You are welcome to wave off the baton from The Village, or join the first leg as it heads to Blackpool Zoo and visit the Family wellbeing hub.”

One suicide survivor said: “When it comes to talking about suicide we often focus on the despair. We need to turn the message around because the golden thread binding us all together through this is hope. That’s what the Baton of Hope is all about, linking us all through hope.

“We are raising the profile of the need to talk. To be preventative we need to be open and honest about mental health discussions.”

Bringing the Baton of Hope to Blackpool is funded entirely by donations and fundraising efforts, so Empowerment is also inviting everyone to join a Big Puddle Jump and spread ripples of hope one puddle at a time.

Sam said: “Each life lost to suicide sends ripples through families, friends and communities. Research shows that one suicide affects an average of 135 people.

“Through the Big Puddle Jump, we aim to create waves of hope, solidarity and change. Fundraising is essential to make sure these services are available to everyone who needs them.

“Everything collected from every Big Puddle Jump will go directly to the people needing our support, and help The Baton of Hope 2025 tour of Blackpool – ensuring a lasting legacy for our town.”

For further information on the Big Puddle Jump and how to get involved please visit  The Big Puddle Jump – How It Works

The Baton of Hope UK tour 2025 was officially launched in Blackpool in June in front of the world-famous Tower ahead of its return for the start of the tour on September 1. To register to attend the RBN’s network meeting please click here: Register – Fylde Coast Responsible Business Network Event – Village Hotel

For further information on Blackpool’s opening leg of the Baton of Hope 2025 UK tour please visit www.empowermentcharity.org.uk/thebatonofhope

If you would like to offer your support or donate some time or resources, please email batonofhope@empowermentcharity.org.uk