Baton of Hope brings a powerful message to Tameside

On Friday 12 September, Tameside welcomed the Baton of Hope, the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative, in a day filled with emotion, solidarity, and hope.

The Baton of Hope campaign was founded by two fathers who lost their sons to suicide. Their vision was simple but ambitious: to spark real change by making suicide prevention a national priority, encouraging open conversations, and challenging the stigma that still surrounds mental health. Over the summer, the Baton has been travelling through 20 communities across the country, carried by people whose lives have been touched by suicide. Last week, it was Tameside’s turn.

The day began at The Anthony Seddon Fund in Ashton-under-Lyne, a charity that has become a cornerstone of mental health support in Tameside. Supporters gathered outside the centre as Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham joined the send-off, praising the charity for its tireless work over the past decade.

From there, more than 40 baton bearers carried the symbol of hope through an eight-mile route, taking in key landmarks including Portland Basin, Pennine Care, Hartshead Pike, and Samuel Laycock School. Alongside them, volunteers, supporters, and members of the public joined in, creating a powerful community moment.

The journey ended at Stalybridge Civic Hall, where local MPs, councillors, and community leaders came together to welcome the Baton and reflect on the day.

“Today was about raising awareness and showing people that it’s okay to talk,” said Ben James, general manager at The Anthony Seddon Fund. “So that first step is massive, but we often found if we're there to try and help people take that first step, then the next steps will come a lot easier usually.”

Ben James, general manager of the Anthony Seddon Fund. You can order your digital download at notreallyheregroup.photo

The event held particular significance for the Anthony Seddon Fund, which co-ordinated the day alongside local partners. The charity was founded in 2014 in memory of Anthony Seddon, who lived with bipolar disorder and tragically died by suicide in 2013, aged just 30.

Anthony’s family channelled their grief into creating a safe, welcoming space where people could find peer-led support, connection, and hope. Over the past ten years, the Fund has become an integral part of the Tameside community, offering support groups, creative activities, holistic therapies, and advocacy for better mental health services.

While not a counselling service, the charity prides itself on its non-judgemental, friendly approach - and, as regulars will tell you, its excellent cups of tea.

“We’re really proud to host the Baton,” said Jason Bromley, community engagement coordinator at the Fund. “Today is about remembering those we’ve lost, but also about building a legacy and tackling these issues within our communities. Suicide prevention will take all of us - councillors, MPs, charities, businesses, and communities - working together.”

Mark Andrews with Jason Bromley, community engagement coordinator at the Anthony Seddon Fund. You can order your digital download at notreallyheregroup.photo

One of the day’s baton bearers was Helen Wilcox, a Dukinfield woman who knows all too well the devastation suicide can bring.

Helen was just 16 when her older brother Jon died by suicide in 2009, only two years after their mother had passed away from cancer. The double loss left Helen struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder throughout her teenage years and early twenties.

Now 32, Helen works at Ashton Sixth Form College and is training to become a teacher. She was chosen to carry the Baton through Tameside, completing a 7.5 mile stretch. Her colleagues described her as “an inspiration” for sharing her story to break down stigma.

In the lead up to the Baton of Hope, Helen said; “I’m doing this for Jon. He was my best friend and protector, and always had my back. I’m doing this in his memory, to help get support to anyone struggling like he was.”

Helen described her brother as “the life and soul of every gathering” with a laugh that could fill a room, but like many men, he didn’t talk about his struggles.

Helen, middle, with colleagues from the Stamford Trust. You can order your digital download at notreallyheregroup.photo

“I would always say now: if you’re worried about someone, don’t just ask how they are - ask them twice. And don’t ask closed questions. Give them a chance to open up.”

Despite her own struggles, Helen has channelled her grief into helping others, volunteering with the Anthony Seddon Fund and supporting students at college. She credits focusing on small positives each day for helping her through her darkest times.

The day saw many other poignant stories. Judith, another baton bearer, carried it in memory of her son Andrew, who died six years ago aged 20. She spoke of the overwhelming aftermath of his death, the long waits for counselling, and the desperate need for better support.

“Walks like this bring out the word suicide, making people think about it and realising how many people are affected,” she said. “For every one person lost, at least 125 people are impacted - friends, relatives, classmates. It can shock entire communities.”

Judith carrying the Baton. You can order your digital download at notreallyheregroup.photo

For the Anthony Seddon Fund team, the day was both challenging and uplifting. “There were a lot of nerves at the start,” admitted Ben James. “But the support we’ve had has been fantastic. This is about showing people that even if it feels impossible to talk, there are people ready to listen.”

Every year, between 20 and 25 people in Tameside die by suicide. Nationally, suicide remains the biggest killer of men under 50 and women under 35. Campaigners stress that these deaths are not inevitable - they are preventable with the right support.

The Baton of Hope campaign believes that all of society has a duty of care. Through pledges, lobbying, and public education, it aims to make suicide prevention a top priority.

Mayor Andy Burnham echoed this message during the day: “We have to start talking openly about suicide. Today is about hope in what can feel like dark times, bringing people together and reminding everyone that support is out there. We need to ensure people can access help quickly, and we’re building a Greater Manchester network so there’s somewhere for people to turn every single day.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham before the Baton of Hope set off. You can order your digital download at notreallyheregroup.photo

As the Baton reached Stalybridge Civic Hall, the atmosphere was a mix of solemn reflection and determined hope. Behind every baton bearer was a story - of love, loss, survival, and resilience.

For the Anthony Seddon Fund, the day was a milestone in its ten-year journey. From a family’s personal grief to a borough-wide movement for change, the charity continues to champion compassion, community, and hope.

As Jason Bromley put it: “It’s about removing the stigma, making sure nobody feels embarrassed about talking, and ensuring the right support is available. Suicide prevention is everybody’s responsibility.”

The Baton of Hope will continue its journey across the UK, carrying the same message it spread across Tameside - that it’s okay to talk, that support is out there, and that together we can save lives.