Retford's Ms Nottinghamshire GB seeks bearers for Baton of Hope
People across Retford, Worksop and the wider North Nottinghamshire area are urged to apply to become baton bearers as the Baton of Hope prepares to return for its nationwide tour in 2027.
Charlotte Lister of Retford, the current Ms Nottinghamshire GB, has been appointed a project lead for the Doncaster leg of the Baton of Hope Tour, to take place on Monday, September 20, 2027.
But as the Baton visits Nottingham on September 15, 2027, and Lincolnshire on September 17, Charlotte is keen for people across Bassetlaw to consider getting involved.
The Baton of Hope is the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative, bringing communities together to raise awareness, challenge stigma and encourage open conversations around suicide and mental health.
Baton bearer applications are now open, with people invited to put themselves forward to carry the baton for part of its journey through one of 21 locations in the 2027 Tour.
Charlotte knows first-hand how powerful that experience can be, having previously been a baton bearer.
She said: “I want to encourage as many people as possible from our local communities to consider applying to become Baton Bearers in 2027.
“You don’t have to be a mental health professional or have a huge platform.
"Baton Bearers include people who have lost somebody to suicide, people with their own lived experience, those who have supported somebody through difficult times, volunteers, fundraisers, advocates and people who simply believe passionately in creating change.
“I know there will be people across our area with powerful reasons for wanting to carry it.
“Every person who carries the Baton represents another story, another conversation and another reminder that there is hope.”
The 2027 Baton of Hope Tour applications are open until January 31, 2027, although individual locations may close sooner if their allocation is filled.
Charlotte added: “My message to anyone who has even thought about applying is: please do it.
“You might be carrying the Baton in memory of somebody. You might carry it because of your own journey. You might carry it for somebody you have supported, or simply because you want to help create a future where people feel able to talk and ask for help.
“You could be one of the people carrying hope through our communities in 2027.”
Apply via the Baton of Hope website: https://thebatonofhope.org/our-initiatives/the-tour/2027-tour/baton-bearers-2027/#apply