Foundation welcomes the Baton of Hope to the University of Bradford Stadium

Chris Henson
Sep 10
3 min read

The Baton of Hope visited the University of Bradford Stadium, and was met by City players, Foundation staff and Billy Bantam.

The Bradford City FC Community Foundation invited the Baton of Hope to the home of the Bantams, to show its support for the campaign’s suicide prevention message.

The Baton visited Bradford on Tuesday 9th September as part of a national tour, and travelled across the city throughout the day, taking in iconic landmarks from Haworth, to Lister Park, to Bradford Live.

City stars Sam Walker, Will Swan and Joe Hilton welcomed the Baton of Hope team to Valley Parade.

Following a stop at The Beacon, a custom-made touring venue made as part of Bradford City of Culture 2025, in Lister Park, the Baton and its entourage, which included Baton Bearers and their friends and families, organisers, and supporters walked to Valley Parade. The Baton was greeted by the Foundation team, including CEO and former City striker Ian Ormondroyd, and current Bantams stars Sam Walker, Joe Hilton and Will Swan.

The players then joined the group on a walk around the University of Bradford Stadium pitch, before the Baton team were welcomed into the Foundation’s City Hub for refreshments, and a chat about the Baton and what it represents.

City’s star goalkeeper Sam Walker said: “It was very moving to welcome the Baton, and all those following its journey, to our home ground. Speaking to the people involved and hearing their stories was very impactful, and we as players are proud to play a part in spreading the message, and reminding everyone that there is help and support out there if they are struggling.”

The Baton of Hope is the UK’s largest ever suicide prevention initiative. The Baton travels the country as a unifying symbol of suicide prevention, and to encourage open conversations about mental health and suicide.

Ian Ormondroyd, Foundation CEO, said: "We at the Foundation are committed to sharing the message that the Baton of Hope represents. We work with and welcome people from all walks of life, some of whom may be struggling, either visibly or invisibly. I'd like to make it clear that everyone who walks through our door can do so knowing they are safe, and that they can talk to and find support for any problem they have, big or small. I'd like to thank the Baton for visiting us, as we all strive to work together to prevent suicide and support those who need it most."

As part of the Baton’s visit to Bradford, the Foundation team also attended a Charity Village at the Broadway shopping centre in the middle of the city, alongside fellow organisations aimed at supporting the mental health and wellbeing of people in the city, including the Samaritans, Papyrus UK, and Bradford District and Craven Mind (BDC Mind), Bradford City AFC’s official mental health partner.

The Bradford City FC Community Foundation team were at Broadway discussing their new project, The Way Forward, which supports young men in Bradford.

There, they spoke to members of the public about their new project, The Way Forward, which seeks to support young men in the city who face high unemployment, poor mental health, and limited opportunities for personal development. The programme has a particular focus on the mental health and wellbeing of its participants over the 12-week programme, which is due to begin in mid-October. Those interested can sign up the project via its registration form.

The Speak Their Name quilt was on display at the Broadway Charity Village.

The Charity Village also hosted the Speak Their Name suicide memorial quilt, an art installation which is formed of memorial squares connected to a large quilt which have been created by those bereaved and impacted by suicide.

Get support:

The Bradford City FC Community Foundation is committed to supporting anyone who is experiencing thoughts and feeling pertaining to suicide, or has been impacted by it. Below is a list of both local and national organisations and their contact information:

Samaritans:

Call: 116 123

Website: https://www.samaritans.org/

Papyrus UK:

Website: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

Suicide prevention training: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/city-of-bradford-training-sessions/

Hopeline 247: 0800 068 41 41

West Yorkshire Suicide Prevention:

Website: https://suicidepreventionwestyorkshire.co.uk/support/bradford

Bradford District and Craven Mind (BDC Mind):

Website: https://www.mindinbradford.org.uk/

Guide Line, an emotional support service: https://www.mindinbradford.org.uk/support-for-you/adult-services/guide-line/