As we close another year and step into the festive season, for Thomas Lyte it’s always a time for reflection and forward-thinking. This year, we have had the honour of being closely involved with the Baton of Hope charity, a beacon of light in the fight against suicide and a promoter of mental well-being, by playing a pivotal role in handcrafting its symbol of resilience.
2023, particularly, has been momentous for the Baton of Hope charity, witnessing significant strides in their mission, a mission we are very passionate about supporting. Read on to learn more about the charity and their remarkable year.
Thomas Lyte’s involvement with the Baton of Hope charity began with our role in designing and handcrafting the iconic Baton of Hope. This baton isn’t just a piece of artistry; it’s a symbol of the community-supported journey from darkness and despair to light and hope, the relentless pursuit of a society aware and active in suicide prevention.
The decision to donate the baton, our time and resources, is part of a commitment the Thomas Lyte Foundation has made to supporting causes that touch lives and make a meaningful difference to our families our friends, and communities around the UK and beyond. It just so happens that our experience with designing and crafting iconic silverware was exactly what the charity needed.
Kevin Baker, Founder and CEO of Thomas Lyte
The baton was formally donated to the charity in a poignant handover ceremony at the Thomas Lyte workshops to Baton of Hope Co-Founder, Mike McCarthy, in the presence of BBC cameras and our staff, many of whom played a role in the project.
The year 2023 was a landmark for the Baton of Hope charity. The baton embarked upon a remarkable journey, starting from Glasgow and traveling through various towns and cities across the UK, culminating at No.10 Downing Street just two weeks later. This tour wasn’t just about awareness; it was about connection, sharing stories of hope, and building communities that support mental health.
The coverage and support across the British media was far reaching, and our friends at the charity did their upmost to capitalize on that, and spreading a powerful message: the presence of hope can truly save lives.
A year ago we didn't imagine – in our wildest dreams – that we’d have the support of @rishisunak, at @10DowningStreet, no less.
What an honour, that @mynewsnorth has been recognised by the Prime Minister as a ‘Point of Light’ for his services to #mentalhealth.#BatonofHopeUK pic.twitter.com/opXr5S0OGO
— BatonOfHopeUK (@BatonOfHopeUK) July 6, 2023
Mike McCarthy, Co-Founder at Baton of Hope
The Baton of Hope tour was distinctive in its approach to suicide awareness and prevention. It involved notable personalities, leaders, and individuals with inspiring stories of resilience and hope, who collectively carried the baton. This journey was marked by a series of events, offering opportunities for local communities, organisations, and neighboring towns to engage actively in the initiative.
While Thomas Lyte CEO, Kevin Baker was part of the team who met with MPs at No.10 Downing Street, Thomas Lyte staff were encouraged to volunteer to help run one of such events at Tate Modern in London. This event was a vital gathering point for numerous mental health and suicide prevention charities, providing a platform for discussion and showcasing their united support for this crucial cause.
Mike McCarthy, Co-Founder at Baton of Hope
In May, before the tour, the Baton of Hope charity was already gearing up for what comes next, as they presented their Workplace Charter to MPs in Westminster. This charter is a commitment to mental well-being in the workplace by employers across Britain, recognising the importance of supportive environments in preventing suicide and promoting mental health. Over 120 MPs have already pledged to support the Charity’s vision of achieving a zero suicide society.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Baton of Hope charity is poised to continue its vital work. The focus will be on dotting the Is and crossing the Ts on the Workplace Charter, before rolling it out, as the charity and the UK government encourage more organisations to commit to the mental well-being of their employees.
Of course, the charity continues its work engaging with communities and mental health charities and spread it’s message of hope. It actively collaborates with various organisations to foster environments where open discussions about mental health are encouraged and supported. The charity’s initiatives extend to educational programs, workshops, and campaigns aimed at breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
A charity, Baton of Hope, is to run a relay from Glasgow to London through all 4 UK nations, to raise awareness of suicide.
Co-founder Mike McCarthy spoke to #BBCBreakfast after his son Ross died by suicidehttps://t.co/XtCnLCd3ro pic.twitter.com/8OgN2jR86i
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) April 23, 2023
As we delve into winter, a time often associated with joy and festivity, it’s crucial to acknowledge that it can also be a period of increased stress and isolation for many, for various reasons. The work of mental health and suicide prevention charities are especially vital during these months. It is for charities like these that the Baton of Hope fights to make their voices heard. Mental health support becomes more important than ever as the shorter days and holiday pressures can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
During the winter months, if you find yourself in crisis and experiencing suicidal thoughts in the UK, remember that support is readily available and you are not alone. One such source of support is Samaritans (samaritans.org), a dedicated charity, that provides understanding and confidential support for those grappling with complex and distressing thoughts. They emphasise the importance of talking about your feelings, recognising suicidal signs, and offer various ways to reach out, including phone calls, emails, branch visits, and a self-help app. Their service is available 24/7 at 116 123 and is free and confidential. You can email jo@samaritans.org. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and charities like Samaritans are there to support you through challenging times.
At Thomas Lyte, we understand the power of unity and support in these times. Our involvement with the Baton of Hope this year is more than a donation of time and resources; it’s a commitment to fostering a workplace culture where mental well-being is a top priority, but also to influencing the broader society through our actions and advocacy, ensuring that mental health support is accessible and prioritised.
As we reflect on the past year and look positively towards the future, standing with the Baton of Hope, we continue to aspire for a society that is not only aware but actively engaged in suicide prevention.
Let’s make 2024 a year of continued hope, support, and action.
For more information about how you can support the Baton of Hope initiative, visit batonofhopeuk.org.
Read about our press mentions and awards for the project
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