ABF and Baton of Hope - A collaboration
At Advance Brighter Futures, suicide prevention has become a core part of our work over the past 18 months. We've been delivering safeTALK training and raising awareness in the very places where people live, work, and gather – from community cafés like Caffi Wylfa to support groups meeting at Pontcysyllte Chapel Tearoom. It’s through this work that we were introduced to the Baton of Hope, and with the support of our local communities, we’re proud to now be the Lead Charity Partner for the Wrexham leg of the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative.
Wrexham is one of just 20 locations across the UK – and the only one representing Wales – chosen to host this national movement. On Saturday 4th October 2025, the Baton of Hope will journey through our city, carried by over 70 Baton Bearers. Each one of them brings a personal connection to suicide, whether through loss or survival, and every step they take will be in honour of the people and stories behind this cause.
Two of those Baton Bearers are Project Leads for Wrexham: our very own Zoe, ABF’s Business Development Officer, and Susan, a bereaved mum whose son Daniel died by suicide in 2021. Together, they’ve poured their heart and experience into shaping this event.
Zoe shared:
“This is a community-led initiative from start to finish – driven by lived experience, supported by volunteers, and shaped by local people and places that have felt the impact of suicide. I know what it feels like to reach that point of hopelessness. But I also know what it feels like to come through the other side. It’s been a real privilege to be part of ABF’s work around suicide prevention over the past few years – supporting communities, raising awareness and opening up conversations around suicide. Being involved in Baton of Hope is a big(!) but natural step forward for us as a charity – bringing everything we’ve learned and built together into one powerful day for Wrexham.”
This is more than an event. It’s a call to action. A moment for connection. And, above all, a message of hope.
Read the full story here: Hope Takes to the Streets: Wrexham Launches Baton of Hope 2025 Tour
More about Baton of Hope UK
The Baton of Hope is the world’s first physical symbol of mental wellbeing – a striking and beautifully crafted baton that’s passed from person to person, carrying with it powerful stories of loss, survival, and hope. It was designed and donated by Thomas Lyte – the same world-renowned makers behind the FA Cup and other iconic sporting trophies. Baton of Hope UK was founded by two parents who lost their sons to suicide and wanted to turn pain into purpose. Their aim was simple but bold: to get the whole country talking about suicide, to challenge the stigma, and to make prevention a national priority. The Baton is now at the heart of a growing movement – helping to start conversations, raise awareness, and bring hope into communities across the UK.
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To find out more, visit their website here: Baton of Hope | It's Time To Start The Conversation
The Wrexham Tour
On Saturday 4th October 2025, the Baton will journey through Wrexham, carried by over 70 Baton Bearers – each someone who has been bereaved by suicide or who has experienced suicidal crisis themselves. These individuals are parents, siblings, friends, colleagues, carers, and survivors. People from across our communities who have lived through the pain that suicide leaves behind and now carry with them something just as powerful: hope.
Each Baton Bearer has their own story – some will walk in memory of a loved one, others to mark how far they’ve come in their own mental health journey. All of them are united by the same mission: to raise awareness, break down stigma, and show others that they are not alone.
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As the Baton travels through Wrexham, it will pass through places that have felt the impact of suicide – and through communities working hard to create spaces where it’s okay to talk. It’s more than a symbolic journey. It’s a movement – and every step matters.
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The Baton will begin its journey at Caffi Wylfa in Chirk, travelling across Wrexham culminating in a Celebration Finale Event at Wrexham University.
Along the way, the Baton will stop at a series of Hope Hubs hosting community events with music, performances, speakers, activities, and stalls from organisations offering support. Free and open to all, the Hope Hubs will welcome the community to come together to talk about suicide prevention, celebrate the resilience of our community, and spread hope across Wrexham.
Help us promote the tour on social media or by displaying posters and distributing leaflets for us around our community spaces.
Fundraise for us – any and all fundraising events will make a huge difference and helps fund this community-led initiative for Wrexham.
Sponsor a part of the tour – from promotional materials and signage, refreshments and catering, to sponsoring our Baton Bearer Meet Ups. If your business is looking to support a charity and wants to champion suicide prevention, this is an impactful and visible way to do so.
Donate in-kind support – such as venue hire for pre/post tour events, printing, PA equipment hire, or even more creative services!
Volunteer your time or skills to support us with planning and organising in the run up to the tour. We’ll also be looking for volunteers to help with stewarding, logistics and general support on the day of the tour too.
Connect us with local personalities – if you know a celebrity, sportsperson or public figure who might support our message and help amplify our reach across Wrexham, we’d love to connect.
Why This Matters
This project is deeply personal for both Susan and Zoe, who are leading the Wrexham tour. Susan lost her son Daniel to suicide in 2021, and Zoe is a survivor who attempted to take her own life that same year. Their experiences are painful, but they’ve chosen to use them as fuel for change – because they don’t want anyone else to feel the way they’ve felt.
The Baton of Hope isn’t just a symbol – it’s a conversation starter. It’s about breaking down the barriers that stop us from talking, challenging the stigma around suicide, and reminding people that there is always hope.
If you’d like to talk more about getting involved, or simply want to be kept in the loop, just drop us an email at zoe@batonofhopeuk.org. Let’s make this a day our whole community will remember – and help bring hope to those who need it most.
There's still time to get involved!
Stay Connected
Like and share our Facebook page and stay in the know with all the latest updates.
A look at the behind the scenes of planning and organising the tour, and opportunity to connect and chat to others involved.
Like and share our Instagram page and stay in the know with all the latest updates.
Email Us
Email zoe@batonofhopeuk.org to join the Mailing List or to find out more on how to get involved.