Hope Takes to the Streets: Wrexham Launches Baton of Hope 2025 Tour
- zoe2175
- 11 minutes ago
- 4 min read
A powerful movement rooted in the unshakeable belief in hope has officially launched in Wrexham. On Thursday 22nd May, Advance Brighter Futures (ABF), in partnership with Baton of Hope UK, proudly kicked off the Wrexham leg of the 2025 Baton of Hope Tour with a moving launch evening hosted at Erddig by kind support of the National Trust.
ABF is a Wrexham-based mental health and wellbeing charity. Over the last 18 months, ABF has partnered with local community cafés and organisations to deliver suicide prevention training and awareness where it’s most needed. ABF’s work in suicide prevention is what led them to get involved with Baton of Hope - and with the support of the Wrexham community, the team hopes to make the 2025 tour a powerful and positive movement for the whole city.
Wrexham is one of the 20 locations on this nationwide tour and has been chosen to represent the whole of Wales in what is the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative. 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 survived suicidal crisis. Among them are Zoe and Susan, the driving force and Project Leads behind Wrexham’s part in the national tour. For both women, the cause is deeply personal.
Zoe, Project Lead for Baton of Hope Wrexham and Business Development Officer at ABF, 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.”
Susan lost her son Daniel to suicide in 2021. Her daughter Charlotte carried the Baton in his honour during the 2023 tour in Newcastle, their hometown. When asked to be Project Lead in the 2025 tour after relocating to Wales, Susan chose Wrexham and was introduced to ABF by the Baton of Hope team - unaware at the time that Daniel had worked with ABF back in 2019. That serendipitous link has brought Zoe and Susan together in a way that feels both emotional and full circle.
Susan, Project Lead for Baton of Hope Wrexham and Volunteer at ABF, says:
“When we realised the connection between Daniel and ABF, it gave us both goosebumps. It genuinely feels like Daniel brought us together. I’m doing this for him – but also to prevent other families having to go through what we have. We’re already seeing the difference it’s making. People are opening up, sharing their experiences, and starting conversations and that’s exactly what this is all about – getting people talking.”
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.
On 4th October, 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. Hope Hubs include Chirk Castle, Pontcysyllte Chapel Tea Rooms, Advance Brighter Futures and Ty Pawb.
Zoe adds,
“We want the tour and Hope Hubs to be an opportunity for people to come together, start conversations, and show support to those impacted by suicide.”
With four months to go, there is still time for local businesses, community groups and individuals to get involved. Whether it’s through volunteering, fundraising, or simply walking with us - every contribution helps spread the message that suicide prevention is everyone’s business.
If you, your business or organisation would like to support the Wrexham tour, email zoe@batonofhopeuk.org or join the Facebook group: Baton of Hope Tour25 – Wrexham for updates and opportunities to get involved.
If you, or someone you know, need immediate support, there are helplines available who offer 24/7 mental health support and advice:
Samaritans
Call 116 123
Papyrus HOPELINE247
Call 0800 068 4141
Text 88247
C.A.L.L Helpline
Call 0800 132 737
NHS 111 Mental Health Support
Call 111 and select option 2
Shout
Text 85258
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