OPENING CEREMONY – Invite only

The RNAA in collaboration with YANA and South Norfolk FCN will be inviting the farming and rural community to join us for the start of the Baton of Hope’s Norwich journey with an opening ceremony at the Norfolk Showground.

Lady Dannatt (Norfolk’s first female Lord Lieutenant) will accept the baton from Mike McCarthy (Baton of Hope founder or whom ever is bring the baton to Norwich) with a short speech, then pass it onto the first Baton Barer who will transport the baton via tractor and trailer to the Sainsbury Centre via a parade of tractors lining the route out of Norfolk Showground. YANA and FCN will also invite families affected by suicide to ride on the trailer with the Baton Bearer.

While this is a ‘public’ event, we intend to invite members of the farming community from RNAA, YANA, & FCN's networks and contacts to promote conversations within the industry about suicide prevention and raise awareness of the support available.

The RNAA Norfolk Food Hall will be sponsoring the event and providing complimentary Bacon Rolls and hot drinks, with background music from a string quartet. There will also be several local organisations with information stalls in attendance - Mind, Norwich Samaritans, Papyrus, YANA. Local media will also be invited to attend the event.

Open to the general public
The Sainsbury Centre, an art museum on the UEA campus, will host an arts-based well-being event which will focus on their sculpture park walking tour (with backup for bad weather).
There will be several speakers, such as the Director of the Sainsbury Centre, an artist working in the community and a visitor guide, who will speak about the role of art in wellbeing.

They will provide refreshments volunteer guides to provide information about the artworks/sculptures on the day.

A Quiet Time for Reflection – Plantation Garden, Norwich

Date: Wednesday 17th September 2025
Time: 10:00 - 12:00
Location: The Plantation Garden, Norwich

This gentle, intimate gathering is for anyone in the public who has been affected by suicide, whether through personal loss, lived experience, or through supporting someone else.

Set within the peaceful and beautifully kept surroundings of Plantation Garden, this one-hour event offers a quiet space for reflection, remembrance, and connection. There will be no formal speeches or large crowds — just a calm environment where you can take a breath, be present in nature, and find quiet companionship with others who understand.

We will also invite you to participate in a small session for reflection, which you are welcome to join if you wish. 

Free refreshments will be available, and kind, caring people will be there if you feel like talking, or simply to sit with you in the stillness.

A moment to pause. A space to feel. A place to just be.

This is a free event for a maximum of 30 people. To ensure that this remains a small event, please register your interest through the link below

https://forms.office.com/e/S7X1PJr0VX

Varah House

Private Event

A short stop which offers invited guests a guided tour of the Norwich Samaritans branch, an opportunity to meet our Listening Volunteers, and hear about the vital role of listening in suicide prevention and highlighting the dedication and impact of the branch’s volunteers. 

PICNIC IN THE PARK
Chapelfield Gardens – Open to All

Join us in Chapelfield Gardens for Picnic in the Park, a free public event celebrating the power of creativity and connection to support mental health and emotional wellbeing. 

The day will feature two 45-minute cabaret-style performances in the bandstand, curated by SOUP Promo, plus entertainment and interactive activities for all ages throughout the park. 

Explore stalls from local mental health and support organisations, including: 
Norwich Samaritans, Mind, Papyrus, NHS Talking Therapies, EAAA, Remembering Together CIC, and St Martins Housing Trust. Discover services, get information, and learn how to start meaningful conversations about mental health. 

Creative & Playful Activities:

• Creative Workshop – Join The Garage’s Creative Wellbeing team for an inspiring artistic session.  

• Circus Workshop – Learn new skills and have fun with Foolhardy Circus. 

• Rainbows of Hope Hearts – Drop in for a free craft session from Remembering Together CIC and create your own rainbow heart. Suitable for all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult). Friendly volunteers will be on hand to listen and support. 

Pack a picnic, bring your friends and family, and take part in a day filled with creativity, compassion, and community.

Open to the public

Menscraft is hosting a Baton of Hope event at its headquarters next to the Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich, highlighting the impact of its suicide prevention work and the importance of men feeling able to reach out for help.

The MensCraft Dojo is open to the public 10am – 4pm on the day. The Baton of Hope will arrive at the Dojo around 2pm and leave before 3pm. 

It asks visitors to consider a question: What does hope look like? In the words of Blue Peter, answers on a postcard! You will see responses from the men we work with and be able to add your own. 

Norwich Cathedral

The event organised by Hope After Suicide Loss will bring 'Conversations Around Suicide' - A Day Dedicated to Raising Awareness, Inspiring Hope, and Supporting One Another. 

Join us for a powerful and compassionate day of conversation, learning, and community support. 'Conversations Around Suicide' aims to bring people together to discuss suicide prevention, share lived experiences, and foster hope through open and honest dialogue. Whether you are directly impacted, supporting someone, or simply want to learn more, your presence matters. 

Our event will be 1-4.30;  Speakers will include the Senior Coroner, Tim Owen, Papyrus, HMP Norwich and Public Health.  

The Baton will be handed to Tim Owen at approx. 4pm at Ethelbert Gate, the Decan will then arrange for the official welcome in the Close. 

It is a free event for anyone working in prevention and support agencies.

The baton will travel along the River Wensum from Jarrolds Bridge, where it will join a Broads Authority ranger launch and will be carried past Cow Tower and Pull’s Ferry to the Yacht Station.

The baton will be exchanged in front of Norwich train station.

Closing Ceremony – Stadium, Top of the Terrace

The Closing Ceremony will mark the final stage of the Baton’s journey. The baton will arrive at the stadium, where a member of the Norwich City FC first team squad will carry it on a lap of the pitch. Guests, including Baton Bearers, volunteers, sponsors, and stakeholders, will gather at the Top of the Terrace to watch the procession and take part in the celebrations. 

The ceremony will include speeches from an NCFC player, stakeholders with lived experience, and other special guests, reflecting on the Baton’s journey and the impact of the campaign. Corporate guests will also have the chance to learn more about the Workplace Pledge and register their interest in signing. 

The Invidia Choir will perform moving, reflective music to inspire and connect attendees, while beverages and canapés, generously provided by a local corporate sponsor, will be served. 

This event will bring together the community to celebrate, reflect, and look forward to the legacy of the Baton.