BATON OF HOPE SET TO BRING REMEMBRANCE AND RESILIENCE TO NEWRY AND BEYOND
The official launch of the Baton of Hope Tour took place at Newry Leisure Centre on September 3rd, 2025, ahead of Newry's role as the host city for this powerful initiative. The Baton of Hope Tour is the UK and Ireland’s largest suicide prevention awareness initiative, aimed at sparking a national conversation around mental health, hope, and healing.
PIPS Hope and Support, a leading local suicide prevention charity, proudly secured the successful bid to bring this important campaign to the Newry, Mourne and Down District and Upper Bann areas. Their commitment to delivering hope to those affected by suicide and mental health was instrumental in bringing the Baton of Hope to the region.
Speaking at the launch, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Cllr Pete Byrne, PIPS Hope and Support CEO Seamus McCabe, and organising committee member Siobhan Brennan, sharing insights, hopes and providing guests with logistics of the tour. Attendees heard messages reinforcing that suicide prevention is everyone’s business and calling on the entire community – individuals, businesses, and local groups, to unite behind this initiative.
On Wednesday 3rd September 2025, the Baton will travel through the district, visiting Crossmaglen, Cullyhanna, Keady, Camlough, Bessbrook, Kilkeel, Rostrevor, Warrenpoint, Banbridge, and culminating in Newry. Each location will host a programme of powerful and uplifting events, including remembrance ceremonies, tree planting, music, sports activities, and spaces for reflection and hope. The Baton’s final stop at Newry Leisure Centre will feature a vibrant charity market with awareness stalls, resources, interactive games, workshops, and specialist training focused on suicide awareness and promoting positive mental health. Throughout the journey, the Baton will be carried by bereaved families, friends, suicide survivors, advocates, and frontline workers – all united in the mission to prevent suicide and inspire hope.
Seamus McCabe, CEO of PIPS Hope and Support, commented:
"Bringing the Baton of Hope to our district is both a privilege and a necessity. Suicide has affected so many families across our communities, and this initiative gives us an opportunity to stand together, break down stigma, and show those who are struggling that there is always hope and support. It’s a powerful message of unity and remembrance."
"I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended today’s launch and those who have already offered their support. Your presence and commitment mean the world to us and to those who have been impacted by suicide. This is not something we can do alone – it takes a community to make a difference."
"I would also like to express our deepest appreciation to Eamonn Connolly and Newry BID for kindly sponsoring the hospitality, and to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for providing us with this venue at Newry Leisure Centre. Your generosity and backing are vital in helping us deliver this initiative at the scale it deserves."
"The Baton of Hope is more than a symbol; it’s a movement. Over the coming months, we will continue to work alongside community groups, families, businesses, and statutory bodies to ensure that when the Baton arrives in September, we are ready to inspire lasting change."
Project Lead Padraig Harte added:
"The Baton of Hope Tour is about creating visibility, solidarity, and lasting change. We encourage everyone – whether you are an individual, community group, or local business – to get involved. Together, we can create a ripple effect of hope and resilience across our district. You can join us by volunteering, sponsoring, or simply showing up to one of the many events planned along the route."
"We know that suicide prevention is not just the responsibility of professionals – it’s a community-wide effort. The Baton will be carried by those with lived experience, including families who have lost loved ones, survivors, and people working every day to offer support. Each step they take will carry a message of remembrance and hope. We want the public to stand along the route, take part in the events, and show their support for this vital cause."
"In the coming months, we’ll be reaching out for volunteers to help deliver a safe and meaningful tour. We’re also looking for local organisations to partner with us, whether through sponsorship or helping us host events in each town and village along the journey. This is a moment for our community to shine and lead the way in suicide prevention and mental health awareness."
For more information, please contact communications@pipshopeandsupport.org and stay connected by following all social media pages related to Baton of Hope Newry.
