Standing together on World Suicide Prevention Day

Published 10 September 2025

As part of Suicide Prevention Month, and ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re proud to share that our Bradford and Airedale Carer Support Service took part in the Baton of Hope Tour 25, a national campaign raising awareness of suicide prevention across the UK.

On Tuesday 9 September, the tour arrived in Bradford. Our team of staff, volunteers and carers had the honour of being among the baton bearers at Valley Parade (Bradford City FC) and later joined the Charity Village at Broadway Shopping Centre to connect with the community and share details of the support we provide to carers across Bradford and Airedale.

This year’s baton bearers were Julie Lambourne, one of our carer support workers, and her sister Yvonne, who both carried the baton in memory of Yvonne’s son Gareth. Their walk around the pitch at Valley Parade was a moment of deep personal meaning and tribute.

Yvonne shared:

Thank you for all the hard work done today and making my dream come true walking with the Baton through Bradford City FC grounds. Gareth would have loved this.

Julie added:

What an amazing day. Thank you to everyone for pulling together on this special day.

Visitors to the Charity Village also had the chance to view the “Yorkshire Speak Their Name” suicide memorial quilt – an ongoing piece of artwork lovingly created by bereaved families and friends, which travels with the tour across the country.

Reflecting on the day, Jayne Trofa, Service Manager at Making Space, said:

It was such a great day – emotional, inspiring and full of meaning. It meant so much to be able to stand alongside Julie, Yvonne and our other baton bearers to remember their loved ones. At the Charity Village, we also had the opportunity to stand with other local mental health charities, meet people face to face, and raise awareness of the support available for carers and their loved ones across the Bradford District. Thank you to everyone who came along to help and support.

Accessing support for yourself or others….

If you’re struggling, please remember you’re not alone and support is available:

• Visit the NHS website to find out about who you can also contact if you need help or need advice if you're worried about someone else.
• Contact Samaritans any time, day or night, on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org – find out more here. 
• Search for support in your area with the Hub of Hope.

If you ever feel you might be at immediate risk of harm, please seek urgent help – call 999, go to A&E, or ask someone you trust to get you there safely.