Strength In Suicide Prevention

We grew from the Baton of Hope Derby & Derbyshire….

So, who are Linking Hope?  You may be wondering where we came from and why we have decided to form our small, but mighty, group of volunteers.

It all started with Claire Goring carrying the Baton of Hope in Birmingham in memory of her Dad who she lost to suicide in 2001.  After the event, Claire partnered with some amazing volunteers to bring the Baton of Hope to Derby and Derbyshire for the 2025 tour of the UK.  On 13th September 2025, the hard work became a reality.  Over 90 Baton Bearers took part, walking in memory of those lost or to recognise their own struggles and how they have survived.  The city of Derby pulled together and was full over people all with the same passion for creating a zero suicide society and saving lives.

We cannot thank those involved enough – from charities, organisations, businesses and individuals who worked with us to all those that took part and came to see us on the day.  The day was a huge success but it sparked something in many of us involved that we couldn’t stop there…we have some amazing support in the city and county and we want to ensure as many people as possible know about it.

So we got our heads together – this needs to be local – local support for local organisations and individuals in the city and county – giving a benefit to all those involved.  After a fair few meetings with our lovely committee, and conversations with a number of different organisations, Linking Hope was born.

Whilst we are no longer the Baton of Hope Derby & Derbyshire, we want to still work collectively with charities, organisations and individuals that we met through the Baton of Hope, as well as hopefully creating new partnerships through Linking Hope and building our platform to showcase the amazing work already being done by charities and individuals all working towards the same missions of suicide prevention and positive mental health for the communities of people in Derby and Derbyshire.

Linking Hope’s mission is to strengthen and connect organisations supporting people affected by suicide and suicide bereavement.

The Baton of Hope are contactable through the following links below if you wish to get in touch with them.