As part of ongoing mental health and suicide prevention work, RAF Brize Norton – the largest Royal Air Force base in the UK – played host to a powerful and impactful session, bringing together personnel for an emotional and thought-provoking morning focused on suicide prevention.
Delivered in conjunction with Baton of Hope, the session ensured all attendees received access to vital suicide prevention training, equipping them with practical tools and knowledge to support themselves and others.
During the session, Will Vaulks shared deeply personal experiences, speaking openly about the impact of suicide on his life, including the loss of both of his grandfathers. He also reflected on the highs and lows of his professional career, offering an honest perspective on resilience, mental health, and the importance of speaking up.
Baton of Hope founder Mike McCarthy and Clinical Director Ben Wilson provided powerful and informative insight into the charity’s work, sharing key learnings around suicide prevention, awareness, and early intervention.
The session highlighted the importance of peer-to-peer support, encouraging open conversations and helping to break down stigma, particularly within high-performance and service environments. Attendees were given practical guidance on recognising warning signs, starting conversations, and knowing where to seek support.
This event forms part of a wider commitment to driving meaningful change in mental health awareness and suicide prevention, ensuring communities are better equipped to support one another.
FS Ian and Sgt Russ said: “We were honoured to welcome the Baton of Hope Charity and Oxford United Football Club to RAF Brize Norton today. The work they’re doing to raise awareness around such a difficult but important topic is truly inspiring. If even one person left today with the tools to support someone in need, that’s a meaningful success. We’re proud to play a part in this conversation, and we hope this is just the beginning of more to come.”
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the session at RAF Brize Norton such a meaningful success.
