PEOPLE from Oldham and beyond are invited to step forward as baton bearers for The Baton of Hope 2027 in support of mental health awareness.
As World Mental Health Day is celebrated on Saturday, October 10, Sarah Tate, who is Oldham’s project lead for the event, is encouraging people to get involved in the tour, which comes to the borough on Sunday, September 26, 2027.
The Baton of Hope was established in 2023 by fathers bereaved by suicide and is the country’s largest suicide prevention initiative and national awareness movement.
It uses a specially designed physical baton and nationwide tours to break the stigma around mental health, unite communities, and promote a zero-suicide.
After being involved when the Baton of Hope, which is held every two years, came to Tameside in 2025, Lees-based Sarah nominated Oldham as a stop for the next tour and herself as a project lead.
Her application was selected, along with 19 others, out of 60 applications following a rigorous process conducted by the Tour Organising Committee.
She has put together a committee whose responsibilities include organising the local route, water stops, lunches, baton bearers and volunteers.
Each location is responsible for their own fundraising so Sarah and her team will plan a variety of fundraisers as well as looking for sponsors and local support.
Applications are now open for baton bearers for each location, with a deadline to apply by January 31, 2027.
The leadership team wrote on their website: “Becoming a Baton Bearer is a chance to take your place in a national journey of hope, remembrance and connection.
“Whether you’re carrying The Baton for someone you love, for your community, or for your own reasons, your presence can help make a difference.”
Over 40 days, the Baton will travel through 21 communities across the UK, bringing people together to remember, connect and have conversations that can make a difference.
Bearers will carry the baton, which weighs 3.24kg and stands 735mm tall, approximately 300m-500m each, and anyone aged 16 or over can apply to take part.
Find out more about the tour and apply to be a baton bearer on their website.
To volunteer locally, get in touch with Sarah Tate by email: oldham@thebatonofhope.org or visit their Facebook group: The Baton of Hope Tour 2027 – Oldham.
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