Baton bearers, organisers and volunteers who were part of the 2025 Torbay Baton of Hope have been praised for their work in bringing hope to the Bay.

They were recognised at a special thank you event on Friday evening where organisers also explained how the legacy of the September event will be carried forward.

The Baton of Hope, the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative, is a walking torch relay that celebrates mental wellbeing and raises awareness of suicide.

Torbay was the only area in the South West to be part of the nationwide tour last Autumn. It saw close to 100 baton bearers from the Bay take it in turns to help carry the baton across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

More than £9,000 was raised through sponsorship for local suicide prevention charities.

The day was co-ordinated by the Torbay Suicide Prevention Partnership, which also organised Friday’s thank you event at the Lyceum.

The partnership is made up of dozens of Torbay organisations ranging from the council and the police to the voluntary and community sector. They helped to select the award winners.

Andrea Gjikolaj, who won the Heart of Gold award, said: “I was affected by suicide 41 years ago and even now it isn’t something that’s openly talked about. I still feel the impact after all these years. I still feel the stigma of suicide which is why I applied to carry the baton.

“But it isn’t just about looking back, it’s about asking questions – do we check in with those who may be quietly withdrawing? Can we respond with empathy rather than discomfort? Can we create spaces where conversations are shame-free?

“On that fabulous day, people shared their stories openly and that shared understanding and lack of awkwardness showed me what is possible. But hope can’t be a one-day event. It can’t be something we carry only while the baton is in our hands. We have to maintain momentum and make our commitment real.”

There were also thank yous to all the groups who contributed: the organisers, the sponsors, the volunteers, and the baton bearers themselves. 

David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, who presented the awards alongside baton bearer Daisy Lloyd, from Sound Communities, said: “This was a truly special evening which honoured all those whose energy and commitment made the Baton of Hope such an amazing day for participants and everyone who turned out to watch it.

“But the relay was never designed to be a one-off event. It was meant to ignite something that continues long after the Baton passed through Torbay.

“I’m pleased that the partnership continues to work collaboratively to ensure there is continuity. This subject is too important to let that passion and hard work fade.”

Future partnership plans include:

• Ongoing community connection and peer support – safe places to talk, share experiences and keep the conversation going
• Using human stories, art and film to raise awareness and build understanding
• Working with schools, families and communities to offer support and encourage earlier, safe conversations for children and young people
• Strengthening partnerships so no one is working in isolation
• Supporting groups and organisations to promote good mental health through training, awareness, and use of the suicide prevention community grant pot

The organisers would also like to thank John Tomkins from Emberlense and Sound Communities representatives Jim Funnell and young people Daisy Lloyd and Lewis Jackson, who contributed to the smooth running of Friday’s event.

The evening included a film of the Torbay Baton of Hope event.

Watch the Baton of Hope film