Local MP Stephen Morgan has encouraged Portsmouth people to help raise awareness around suicide prevention at the Baton of Hope event in the city this Friday.
Mr Morgan will carry the Baton when it tours Portsmouth this week, to spark conversations about mental health and encourage people to seek support.
Visiting 20 community locations across the city, over 100 residents will take turns to carry an Olympic-style baton throughout the day to raise awareness of suicide prevention.
The Baton will depart from Mick’s Monster Burgers on Portsdown Hill around 8am, winding through the city and ending at The Gaiety on South Parade Pier, Southsea.
On its journey, it will pass Portsmouth’s big landmarks, including the Mary Rose in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth FC’s Fratton Park, Spinnaker Tower, and around Victoria Park, the baton bearer village.
Community hubs along the route will open their doors with activities, refreshments, and a chance for residents to connect with charities and support organisations.
Among the torch bearers are emergency workers, foster carers, local business owners, support workers, and many more – who have been affected by suicide in some way.
The Baton of Hope has been travelling across the UK since the beginning of the month to spark conversations about mental health and encourage people to seek support.
The baton first toured England in 2023, and Portsmouth is among 20 areas it is visiting during the second tour.
Commenting, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said:
“I’m delighted the Baton of Hope will be coming to Portsmouth this Friday, providing us with an opportunity to raise awareness about suicide prevention, speak about mental health and encourage people to seek support.
“I encourage all local people who are available to come out and support this event in any way they can.
“I look forward to carrying the baton and speaking with local people about what more can be done to support those struggling with their mental health.”
Portsmouth Baton of Hope project leader Lara Kynvin said:
“We are so incredibly proud to bring the baton to Portsmouth.
“The community and organisations across the area have all shown such great support and are keen to be involved to help us to get people talking about suicide, breaking the stigma around it, and saving lives.”
This Labour Government has committed to a renewed focus on preventing suicides and reversing the trend of suicide rates.
Through the new 10 Year Health Plan, we will transform the current mental health system so people can access the right support at the right time.
This includes transforming mental health services into 24/7 neighbourhood mental health centres, improving assertive outreach care and treatment and investing up to £120 million to bring the number of mental health emergency departments up to 85.
