Baton of Hope visit

On February 4th, Year 12 and 13 received guest speakers as part of their Personal Development programme, from Baton of Hope, the UK's largest suicide prevention initiative. The visitors were Ben Wilson, who is Clinical Director with Baton of Hope, and Will Vaulks, who is an ambassador for the organisation, and an Oxford United football player.

Will Vaulks spoke to the students about life as a professional footballer and how it seems glamorous and perfect, but underneath everyone has ups and downs at times. Will also talked about how important the campaign is to him, as he has lost both his grandfathers to suicide.

Ben Wilson then showed students the actual Baton of Hope, which was made at The Royal Mint, and which signals the importance of caring for mental health. The baton has been 'on tour', and has been taken to a range of international events. Ben then spoke about why suicide prevention is important (e.g. the national statistics around suicide) and the best ways for students to support themselves and their friends - in and out of school - around mental health. 

Sixth Form students will now also have the option to pursue a qualification in Suicide Prevention, acccredited by Baton of Hope, as we continue our work on health and wellbeing as the year goes on.