Baton of Hope unites community in UK's largest suicide prevention initiative

The Baton of Hope scheme is fast becoming the UK’s largest ever suicide prevention initiative, with the specially designed metal item touring UK towns and cities  with the aim of raising the profile of the issue.

Tony Clabby, founder of mental health club MATT – Men Actually Talking Together – carried it in Sheffield after entering his name into the draw and being chosen.

Former Healthwatch Rotherham chief executive Tony, a vice president at Rotherham Titans, said: “It was so moving to see, everyone carrying the baton had been touched by suicide in one way or another.

“I was proud to be representing the group and all that we’ve achieved in the past year.”

The group welcomes men over the age of 18 to the rugby club at Clifton Lane every Tuesday at 2pm, to talk about whatever they feel the need to, or just to listen to others.

It was set up four years ago after rugby club member Mike Howard took his own life.

Since then, it has seen 80 men through its doors, helping every one of them as much as they can.

The current group consists of around ten to 12 men every week, but more are encouraged to come and talk.

Talking is free, but if you want to enjoy a cuppa and cake you must make a small donation of just £1. 

The door is always open for any man who feels as though they may need it.

Pop along to MATT any Tuesday or email Tony at [email protected] for more details.

Research into suicide rates shows that men in their 40s are still the most vulnerable.

Males account for 79 per cent of suicides in Rotherham – and less than half had sought help from a GP in the months prior to their death.

White British men aged between 45 and 52 accounts for the majority of suicides nationwide.

The biggest trigger was stressful life events including relationship or child protection issues and financial problems.

Over half were also suffering from a long-term illness, while a history of alcohol abuse was more prominent than substance abuse.