Claire and Vicki carry the baton for suicide prevention

Colleagues Claire Hickson and Vicki Lang from the Swan bereavement team proudly represented the Trust as they took part in the recent Baton of Hope tour which started from Blackpool.

The Baton of Hope is the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative - travelling across the nation to spark conversations, raise awareness and bring communities together in support of mental health and suicide prevention and those bereaved by suicide.

This year, 100 local people carried the Baton during the very first leg, starting here in Blackpool, of the 2025 UK tour. This was thanks to local suicide prevention campaigner Samantha Southern who works for Blackpool’s Empowerment charity and the incredible community coming together to let people know they are not alone.

The journey began at the Village Hotel on Monday 1 September before making its way through Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre - not just on foot, but also by car, boat, and even on horseback - finishing with a special moment on stage at The Grand Theatre. 

Claire is Clinical Lead for the Swan End of Life and Bereavement team and Vicki is the Swan End of Life and Bereavement Specialist at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals.

The Trust’s Lead Nurse for End of Life Care, Jackie Brunton said “Families who have been bereaved, suicide survivors and supporters will proudly carry this specially designed symbol of hope - we know so many people are affected by suicide personally and also through our roles - If you are affected and or need anyone to talk to please do not hesitate to reach out to our team in Swan and Occupational Health.”

Claire said “I am so proud to have been asked to support the Baton of Hope Tour this year. I applied to be a baton bearer in memory of all those who have lost their lives to suicide and in support of those bereaved by suicide on the Fylde Coast and am so honoured to have been involved. It was such an emotional day. What I felt on the day, was a huge sense of community and support, Blackpool is really coming together to say we need to talk about suicide, remove the shame, the stigma and also work towards preventing suicide, and we are here to listen.

“A single suicide can have a direct impact on 135 people, and if you’re bereaved by suicide you are more at risk of suicidal thoughts.

“If you feel you need to talk to someone please do reach out to your friends, to your family, your GP, to your manager, to occupational health, don’t be alone.“ 

The baton will continue to travel through 20 locations across the UK, reaching London for its finale event on 10 September.