Local mental health charity Hull and East Yorkshire Mind is delighted to announce that the Baton of Hope will come to Hull on Saturday 18th September 2027, as applications open for local people to become part of its most ambitious UK tour to date.
The Baton of Hope suicide prevention charity has confirmed the dates for its 2027 UK Tour, which will see the world’s first physical symbol of mental wellbeing travel across the UK from 1st September 2027.
Hull is one of just 21 locations selected to take part in the relay around England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man throughout September and October next year.
Emma Dallimore, Chief Executive of Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Baton of Hope is coming to Hull. This is a huge opportunity for our city and something we want the whole community to feel part of.
“Our plans are still being developed, but our ambition is to make 18 September a real moment for Hull. We want to bring people together from across the city, start conversations that matter and send a powerful message about suicide prevention.
“We want the Baton’s journey through Hull to be visible, moving and full of life. There is lots more to unveil over the coming months, and there will be plenty of opportunities for people, businesses and community groups to get involved.
“For now, we’re incredibly excited that Hull will be part of the 2027 Tour and we can’t wait to show what our city can do.”
Baton Bearer applications are now open
Applications to become a Baton Bearer for the 2027 Tour are now open, giving people the opportunity to play a very special part in the Baton’s journey when it comes to Hull.
In 2025, more than 1,000 Baton Bearers carried the embodiment of the charity’s name, with each driven by their desire to change society’s attitudes to suicide.
Celebrities, sports personalities and politicians joined ordinary people made extraordinary by their courage and bravery in carrying the Baton on its journey. All were selected because of their personal stories of bereavement or their lived experience of the impact of suicide.
People interested in becoming a Baton Bearer in Hull can apply through The Baton of Hope:
Apply to become a 2027 Baton Bearer
The Baton of Hope is the charity’s physical symbol of hope, carefully handcrafted by Thomas Lyte, a Royal Warrant holder as goldsmiths and silversmiths to His Majesty King Charles III, and makers of the Emirates FA Cup and other prestigious trophies.
The 2027 campaign builds on the success of previous Tours in 2023 and 2025 and marks the vital role the suicide prevention and awareness charity plays in saving lives.
Mike McCarthy, Co-Founder and Chair of The Baton of Hope, said: “This is one of the most difficult subjects to talk about, but the Tour is as much about life and hope as it is about death and despair. Even if we bring just the smallest glimmer of hope to someone, we have opened a door.”
Like Mike McCarthy, many Baton Bearers are driven by the legacy of their loved ones. Mike lost his son Ross to suicide in 2021.
Ross asked Mike in his goodbye letter to fight for mental health support and use his voice as a journalist to make people listen. For Mike, the campaign has become a commitment to using that voice to help save lives.
The Baton of Hope is a member of the National Suicide Prevention Network, an initiative launched by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, bringing together charities and organisations to help transform suicide prevention in the UK.
Following the success of the 2025 Tour, The Prince of Wales endorsed the charity’s work, recognising how it had united people and communities across the UK to open up a national conversation on suicide.
There are many ways for people to be part of the Baton of Hope, from supporting activities on the day and creating community events to learning more about suicide prevention.
Further details about Hull’s plans for Saturday 18 September 2027 – including the route, events, partnerships and more ways to get involved – will be unveiled over the coming months.