bristol Route – 2 july 2023
After the quick-fire visits to Northern Ireland and Wales, and in anticipation of the energetic day-trips to Birmingham, Brighton and London to come, we follow a quieter, more reflective pace during our time in Bristol. Although the pace may be slower, we remain passionate about highlighting the exceptional mental wellbeing support taking place every day, and as determined to build hope towards a zero-suicide society in Bristol as elsewhere.
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.
10:00 – 10:30
start ss Great Britain
We will start and end the day with senior members of Bristol City Council. Christina Grey, Director for Communities & Public Health in Bristol, will acknowledge the tragedy which most of the Baton-bearers have experienced, and thank them for uniting to press for change. She will build on one of the core themes from the Baton of Hope team: “dialling up compassion to build a world that sees those suffering mental illness as less attention-seeking and more attention-needing.” Music will be provided by the young women and men from the BIMM Institute.
Public support will be welcome.
11:00 – 11:30
1 bedminster cricket ground
In most cities, we take time to recognise the extraordinary assistance given by the Emergency Services to individuals who have experienced suicidal impact or bereavement. We also acknowledge the toll that this takes on the Blue Light people in the frontline. There will be stories of hope.
Public support will be welcome.
11:40 – 12:10
2 Bower ashton – UWE Bristol
Especially created for the visit of the Baton of Hope, UWE Bristol will host a memorial photo gallery of lives lost to suicide, including a brief summary of individual potential that will never be realised. This will include images and words in remembrance of the family members and friends who are represented by the Baton-bearers in Bristol.
Public participation will be welcome.
12:20 – 12:40
3 Courtyard Café – Ashton Court Estate
In anticipation of heading out into the beautiful countryside of the Ashton Court Estate, we will take a refreshment break. This will be accompanied by inspirational thinking from the teams at NHS Talking Therapies.
Public participation will be welcome.
12:30 – 14:00
4 arts mansion – ashton court estate
The Reflection Garden at the site will give Baton-bearers an opportunity to collect their thoughts prior to heading back into the city for the final event of the day. There will be musicians from the BIMM Institute helping to create a positive ambience, and opportunities for both adults and children to express messages of ‘Hope’. Cruse Bereavement volunteers will also be on hand.
Public participation will be welcome.
15:00 – 17:00
finish ashton gate stadium
Our final event in Bristol will include performance art, music, dance and personalities. Speakers will include senior officials, The Lord Mayor and one of Bristol’s four MPs (all of whom are Baton of Hope supporters). There will be reflective moments; there will be lively calls to action; and there will be persuasive expressions of Hope created by talented artists and performers.
Public participation and support will be welcome.
The Ollie Foundation is running a special training programme alongside the Baton of Hope Tour. For details, please click here: Ollie Foundation Training