‘Hope can’t be a one-day event’ - Torbay Baton of Hope legacy continues

Baton bearers, organisers and volunteers behind the 2025 Torbay Baton of Hope have been praised for bringing a powerful message of hope and awareness to the Bay.

A special thank you event was held at the Lyceum on Friday evening, where those involved in September’s landmark event were recognised for their efforts. Organisers also outlined how the baton’s legacy will continue through ongoing suicide prevention work across Torbay.

The Baton of Hope is the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative – a walking torch relay designed to celebrate mental wellbeing and raise awareness of suicide. Torbay was the only area in the South West selected to take part in last autumn’s nationwide tour.

Close to 100 baton bearers from Torquay, Paignton and Brixham carried the baton through the Bay, raising more than £9,000 through sponsorship for local suicide prevention charities.

The day was co-ordinated by the Torbay Suicide Prevention Partnership, a collaboration of dozens of organisations including the council, police, voluntary groups and community organisations. The partnership also organised Friday’s celebration event and helped select award recipients.

Among those honoured was Andrea Gjikolaj, winner of the Heart of Gold award. She said she had been affected by suicide 41 years ago and still felt the stigma surrounding it.

“I still feel the impact after all these years. I still feel the stigma of suicide which is why I applied to carry the baton,” she said.

“But it isn’t just about looking back, it’s about asking questions – do we check in with those who may be quietly withdrawing? Can we respond with empathy rather than discomfort? Can we create spaces where conversations are shame-free?

“On that fabulous day, people shared their stories openly and that shared understanding and lack of awkwardness showed me what is possible. But hope can’t be a one-day event. It can’t be something we carry only while the baton is in our hands. We have to maintain momentum and make our commitment real.”

Tributes were also paid to sponsors, volunteers and organisers who helped ensure the event ran smoothly.

Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, presented awards alongside baton bearer Daisy Lloyd of Sound Communities. He said: “This was a truly special evening which honoured all those whose energy and commitment made the Baton of Hope such an amazing day for participants and everyone who turned out to watch it.

“But the relay was never designed to be a one-off event. It was meant to ignite something that continues long after the Baton passed through Torbay.

“I’m pleased that the partnership continues to work collaboratively to ensure there is continuity. This subject is too important to let that passion and hard work fade.”

Future plans outlined by the partnership include strengthening peer support networks, creating safe spaces for open conversations, working with schools and families to encourage earlier discussions with young people, and expanding training and awareness initiatives supported by a suicide prevention community grant fund.

Organisers also thanked John Tomkins from Emberlense and representatives from Sound Communities, including Jim Funnell and young people Daisy Lloyd and Lewis Jackson, for their contributions to the evening.

A film of the Torbay Baton of Hope event was shown during the celebration and is available to watch online.