The inspiring Baton of Hope tour that visited Cumbria last year was the subject of a special reunion in Carlisle – at an event that also highlighted mental health and suicide prevention support.
Brunton Park’s Cumbria Lounge hosted the event, which was arranged jointly by Carlisle United Community Sports Trust’s Teresa Mulholland and Jess Montgomery from Every Life Matters.
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It brought back together some of the people who were involved in the Baton of Hope, the major suicide prevention initiative that toured the county last September.
There were presentations on the latest suicide stats and support available (Image: Teresa Mulholland)
A host of groups and organisations who offer support were also present.
Among those at the forefront of the Baton of Hope were Lisa and Jonny Birdsall, who also covered the room hire and provided tea and coffee, with several of the baton bearers and volunteers also in attendance.
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A number of mental health and suicide prevention organisations were at the event (Image: Teresa Mulholland)
They were joined by members of the bereaved-by-suicide groups run by Every Life Matters in conjunction with United’s community sports trust.
Georgina Ternent, public health manager at Cumberland Council, gave a presentation on The Big Question survey, including its findings on suicide stats in Cumbria.
A number of mental health and suicide prevention organisations were at the event (Image: Teresa Mulholland)
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There was also a presentation from Jess Montgomery on Every Life Matters’ support which is provided for those bereaved by suicide, and also a photo montage, accompanied by music, on the Baton of Hope tour, created by Teresa Mulholland.
The other groups present at the event included Andy’s Man Club, Samaritans, Carlisle Eden Mind, The Well, Silent Footprints and the Zen Den, as well as Carlisle United’s club chaplain David Allen with wife Esther.
A number of mental health and suicide prevention organisations were at the event (Image: Teresa Mulholland)
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Teresa Mulholland said: “Jess and I wanted to put this event on as we felt this was extremely important to recognise those that were involved in the Baton of Hope – but also those bereaved by suicide.
“We wanted to demonstrate the support that is available regarding suicide and mental health in our community.”
