Portsmouth Football Club’s Fratton Park will host the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative when the Baton of Hope visits the city on 26 September 2025, with the complete route now revealed.
The countdown has begun for Portsmouth’s inaugural Baton of Hope event, with the historic football ground serving as the venue where the comprehensive route was unveiled.
With fewer than 80 days remaining, organisers confirmed that 105 individuals – all personally affected by suicide – will carry the Olympic-style baton throughout the city. The procession will travel through Portsmouth’s most recognisable landmarks, including the Historic Dockyard and Mary Rose, Spinnaker Tower, before crossing to Gosport and the Explosion Museum.
The initiative addresses a stark reality: approximately 19 people lose their lives to suicide daily across the UK. Thousands of participants nationwide are committed to raising awareness and preventing these tragedies.
Portsmouth Baton of Hope Project Leader Lara Kynvin expressed her enthusiasm: “We are so incredibly proud to bring the baton to Portsmouth. The community and organisations across the area have all shown such great support and are keen to be involved to help us to get people talking about suicide, breaking the stigma around it, and saving lives.”
Lina Small, Portsmouth FC‘s Head of People & EDI, emphasised the club’s commitment: “We’re incredibly proud to support and host the Baton of Hope route announcement at Fratton Park. Suicide affects far too many lives, and this initiative is a powerful reminder that hope, conversation and support can save lives. At Portsmouth Football Club, we stand with those impacted and are committed to playing our part in breaking the stigma and standing up to suicide.”
Portsmouth City Council is backing the significant event, with Victoria Park – known as Portsmouth’s ‘People’s Park’ – designated to host the Baton Bearer Village and serve as the tour’s conclusion point.
Councillor Chris Attwell, Portsmouth City Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Central Services, highlighted the urgency of the issue: “Suicide is the biggest killer of under-35s and the biggest killer of men under 50. Those figures are barely believable, and behind each of them are devastated friends and families left behind.”
He continued: “The truth is that every single person will have been impacted in some way by suicide. Our Portsmouth Lord Mayor and council staff will be among the 105 people proudly carrying the baton through the Portsmouth route. Portsmouth shares the Baton of Hope’s powerful message that we must stand up to suicide. I hope local people come and show their support on 26 September and give a loud cheer to all those taking part.”
The Portsmouth leg will commence early morning on Portsdown Hill in the north before concluding at Victoria Park. Throughout the day, various ‘hubs’ will offer taster events and activities for families and individuals to participate in. The baton will also visit locations where support services assist vulnerable community members.
The Baton of Hope made its debut tour in 2023. The 2025 edition promises to be more extensive, launching in Blackpool on 1 September and visiting 20 UK locations before concluding in London on 10 October.
For updates and bearer stories, residents can follow the Baton of Hope Tour25 – Portsmouth Facebook page.
