birmingham Route – 3 july 2023
In Birmingham we reach out to an exceptionally broad set of audiences – sport, the arts, the student and gay communities, the emergency services and the charitable sector. And we bring them all together, along with 50+ Baton-bearers, for the ‘Gathering of Hope’ in Centenary Square at the end of the day. It will be memorable – a day to be part of!
The Baton route and event locations are all subject to local authority approval, and change.
© mapbox & OSMap
As in other cities, The Baton’s day will likely start with a media moment just before 08:00.
08:30 – 09:00
1 Alexander stadium
The Birmingham leg of the Baton of Hope tour kicks off at the Alexander Stadium, home to the 2022 Commonwealth Games, with support from Team GB and Youth Clubs. Athletes and young people will remind us that all kinds of sport and exercise provide positive mental wellbeing benefits.
Public support will be welcome.
09:45 – 10:30
2 aston villa fc
We are proud to be working with the Aston Villa Foundation who will receive The Baton on the steps of Villa Park, and carry it to Aston Park for a live demonstration of how to use football as therapy. **
Public support will be welcome.
11:30 – 12:00
3 west midlands police headquarters
Chief Constable Craig Guildford will address the issue of mental health in the Emergency Services; he will open up a discussion with leading charities – the Ambulance Staff Charity and the Fire Fighters’ Charity, for example – and Service Leads from the blue light sector.
12:00 – 12:15
4 ‘chariot of charity’
The Baton will board an exclusive tram carriage provided by Transport for West Midlands at Bull Street Stop. The carriage will feature founders and representatives of the Baton of Hope charity partners and supporters, symbolising the importance of unity.
Public support will be welcome.
12:30 – 13:00
5 new street station
After arriving by tram at New Street Station, The Baton will visit the Tackling Loneliness Bus, which is part of TfWM’s ‘Let’s Chat’ campaign, as well as the Random Act of Kindness Board. **
Public support and engagement will be welcome.
13:00 – 13:45
6 Birmingham LGBT Centre
We acknowledge and pay tribute to the work of Birmingham LGBTQ+ Centre and other LGBTQ+ charities for mental health in the city and the region.
Public support and engagement will be welcome.
14:00 – 15:00
7 edgbaston mac theatre
The MAC Theatre brings together performances on ‘Arts as Therapy’ from some of the city’s multicultural and diverse communities, as well as a talk from Shruanjeet Singh, founder of Taraki. **
Public support and engagement will be welcome.
15:30 – 16:15
8 University of Birmingham, Edgbaston Teaching and Learning Centre
Welcomed by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, talks will be led by Papyrus and other key leaders in youth mental health. **
17:00 – 17:30
9 icknield port to brindley place
The Baton will make its way to the city centre on a canal boat. Spot The Baton from adjacent towpaths and bridges, and cheer it as it heads to its closing destination in the city at Centenary Square!
Public support will be welcome.
17:30 – 19:00
finish centenary square – ‘gathering of hope’
The Baton tour finishes its Birmingham journey in Centenary Square, featuring an informative Charity Village, live performances, and public addresses from an eclectic set of speakers including West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street. **
Public support and engagement will be welcome.
** Wellbeing hubs are being provided at these locations by Cruse Bereavement and The Samaritans.
The Ollie Foundation is running a special training programme alongside the Baton of Hope Tour. For details, please click here: Ollie Foundation Training