Barca-Leeds was honoured to host the start of the Baton Of Hope Leeds walk on World Suicide Prevention Day, Wednesday 10 September 2025.
The Baton of Hope is a powerful symbol that’s travelling across the UK to raise awareness about suicide prevention. It brings communities together to remember the lives sadly lost to suicide, while promoting a message of hope.
The welcome event featured speeches from Councillor Adele Rae and Victoria Eaton, Director of Public Health, a poem from Barca-Leeds Trustee Sir John Battle, live music from the Being You Leeds Music Group and an energetic warm up from Bramley Baths.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, it was humbling to see our community come together for such an important cause and cheer on the walkers as they set off on their way. The Baton was carried through Armley, New Wortley and Holbeck before passing through Millennium Square, in the city centre, and on to St James Hospital before finishing in Gipton.
A big thank you to the volunteers and staff who helped make the event such a success.
View a short video compilation of photos and videos taken at the event with music from the Being You Leeds Music Group.
