The Baton of Hope team in preparation for Tuesday’s march through town.

Baton of Hope comes to Hastings this Tuesday

The UK’s largest ever suicide prevention initiative is coming to Hastings on Tuesday 23 September 2025. Hastings is hosting a full day with events across the town, to raise awareness of suicide prevention, promote good mental health and wellbeing, and to spread the message of hope. Erica Smith gets ready to cheer the Baton as it is carried through town.

What route will the Baton follow?

Forty-three baton bearers will transport the Baton of Hope around Hastings and St Leonards in a relay. Starting at 8am at Hastings Castle, the Baton will travel through Hastings town centre and Alexandra Park to Ore. The relay will stop at Hastings United football ground, and at the Conquest Hospital, before reaching Central St Leonards, and then back East along the seafront, arriving at The Stade at 6pm.

Evening finale at The Stade

The final event takes place on The Stade in Hastings Old Town, from 6–9pm. There will be a collection of music, stories and speeches to send messages of hope.

How can I get involved?

• Watch the Baton of Hope as it travels around Hastings and St Leonards – and give the Baton bearers a cheer – you are also warmly invited to attend the Finale event on The Stade (6pm-9pm)
• Talk to your friends, family and colleagues about good mental health – start the conversation!
• Join the Baton of Hope facebook page for Hastings
• Help us to reach further – donate now!

Why is the Baton of Hope coming to Hastings?

Hastings Voluntary Action and The Men’s Room were successful in bidding to host a leg of the Baton of Hope tour 2025. Together with many partner organisations, collectively we are united in raising awareness of suicide prevention and #startingtheconversation

You can read the full programme for the Baton of Hope visit here.

Also in: Health Matters