Posted: 25 August 2026
Doncaster has been chosen as one of just 21 locations across the UK to host the Baton of Hope Tour 2027, bringing the nation's largest suicide prevention movement to the city and creating a unique opportunity for businesses, communities and organisations to come together behind an important cause. Doncaster was selected from more than 60 applications, highlighting the strength of the city's collective vision and commitment to creating positive change.
The Baton of Hope Tour is recognised as the UK's leading suicide prevention initiative, designed to spark conversations, challenge stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it. When the Baton arrives in Doncaster in 2027, it will shine a national spotlight on the city, showcasing not only its community spirit but also its growing reputation as a destination capable of delivering major events with purpose and impact.
The successful bid has been led by Charlotte Lister, CSR and Partnerships Manager at the Crown Bawtry Collection, who will work alongside a cross-sector steering group representing business, sport, public services and community organisations across Doncaster.
Charlotte said ‘hosting the Baton of Hope is about far more than a single day of activity. It represents an opportunity for Doncaster to unite around a shared purpose while demonstrating the power of partnership working’.
Charlotte Lister
For local businesses, the tour offers a chance to take an active role in supporting employee wellbeing, promoting positive mental health conversations in the workplace and contributing to a campaign that has the potential to save lives. Businesses of all sizes will be encouraged to get involved through attendance, volunteering, awareness activities and events leading up to the tour and during the tour.
The event will also help raise Doncaster's profile nationally, bringing visitors, attention and engagement to the city while highlighting the strength of its business community. As organisations increasingly prioritise social value and employee wellbeing, Baton of Hope provides a platform for businesses to demonstrate leadership, compassion and community commitment.
The importance of the Baton of Hope's mission is reflected in both national and local statistics. Suicide continues to affect thousands of families across the UK each year, while recent public health data has shown the significant impact it has within Doncaster and the wider Yorkshire region.
However, the Baton of Hope is fundamentally a message of hope. Founded by fathers Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip following the loss of their sons to suicide, the movement aims to break silence, reduce stigma and encourage people to talk openly about their mental health.
By welcoming the Baton to Doncaster, the city has an opportunity to become part of a national movement that is changing conversations and saving lives.
The success of the bid reflects Doncaster's ability to work collaboratively across sectors. Businesses, public services, charities, sports organisations and community leaders all played a role in making the case for Doncaster to host the tour, demonstrating the city's ambition and collective strength.
As preparations begin for 2027, organisations across Doncaster will be invited to join the journey. Together, the city can ensure that Baton of Hope leaves a lasting legacy, creating stronger conversations around mental health, supporting those who may be struggling and reinforcing Doncaster's reputation as a place where communities and businesses come together to make a difference.
Doncaster's selection is not only recognition of the city's ambition and partnership working; it is an opportunity to create meaningful social impact, engage the business community and place Doncaster at the heart of one of the UK's most important public health movements.
If you would like to find out more about the Baton of Hope, visit Baton of Hope | The National Suicide Prevention Movement or email charlotte@crownhotel-bawtry.com
