The Baton of Hope

On Tuesday 23rd September the Baton of Hope arrived in Hastings and spent the day being transported across the town by over 40 different baton bearers. Our Deputy CEO Jodie was one of them.

The Baton of Hope team are creating change through campaigning, public education and awareness, as well as a series of pledges and lobbying. By working with partners, fellow charities and communities they are working tirelessly to make suicide prevention a top priority. Together we can give hope and save lives.

Jodie shares with us "I walked nearly 33,000 steps across the day and there was a whole lot of love and hope shared with my fellow baton bearers, the support crews and everyone we passed along the way. When I got home, 13hrs after leaving, I sat and spent a few moments in silence, reflecting on the day and those we have lost to suicide as well as those that have survived and are still a part of our lives. Thank you to everyone who came out to see us, you were all amazing. Thank you to the Hastings Baton of Hope team for bringing the baton to Hastings and thank you to Mike, Ben and the team at Baton Of Hope UK for opening up the conversation, and for what they are doing to challenge the stigma attached to mental health and suicide".

What an amazing day for Hastings and our residents. The team here at EFT are proud of Jodie for being a baton bearer and proud to stand alongside our colleagues and associates to help raise awareness of suicide and help eliminate the stigma attached around the issue.