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World Suicide Prevention Day and The Baton of Hope
September 10
World Suicide Prevention Day
On the 10th September 2025 it is World Suicide Prevention Day as well as for the first time ever the Baton of Hope arrives into the city of Leeds, with one of the handovers in the Joshau Van Leader exhibition space. To celebrate this day we have a range of presentations and events across the day and would love as many people as possible to come to either the full day or selected parts of the day. Three Eventbrite events have been scheduled for the day — Morning, Afternoon, and Evening sessions. Everyone is welcome to attend as many as they’d like. Feel free to spread the word — we’re aiming for a great turnout!
ALL DAY
Speak Their Name Quilt
Anyone bereaved by suicide can create a memorial square on fabric by embroidery, stitching, painting, or any other artistic route. Each unique square is dedicated to their loved one. The Yorkshire Speak Their Name quilt will be in the Joshua Van Leader – Inspire to Inspire exhibition space from Tuesday 26th August to Friday 6th September and then from Wednesday 10th September (BoH and World Suicide Prevention day) to Friday 19th September.
10:00 AM
The Presence Effect Choir led by Fran Wyburn
In this special session at the gallery space, Fran will gently guide you through self-compassion and self-regulation practices, weaving mindful tools directly into our singing. There’s no pressure here – just come as you are and simply be.
11:30 AM
Tom Dickinson – Tom’s Talks
Join motivational speaker and founder of Tom’s Talks, Tom Dickinson, for a powerful and thought-provoking session on mental health, resilience and the strength found in vulnerability.
1:45 PM
Baton of Hope Arrival and Handover
Following the huge success of the very first tour in 2023, the Baton of Hope is working with teams across the UK for an even bigger event in 2025, featuring 20 different cities across the UK. The Baton will arrive in Leeds on the 10th September with a number of Baton holders across a route across the City. One of these baton exchanges will take place in the Joshua Van Leader Inspire to Inspire exhibition space at approximately 1:30 PM.
2:30 PM
Steve Phillip – Navigating the ‘S’ word
Steve delivers impactful and inspiring talks, like this keynote talk; “Navigating the ‘S’ word”, using his own lived experience and insight to help others spot the signs that someone might be struggling with their mental health and how to provide support to those who are feeling suicidal.
3:30 PM
Josh Sturgeon – MINT (Men in Need Together)
Voices of Resilience: A Poetry & Open Mic Session for Mental Health
Join us for an inspiring and powerful poetry event where the CONQR community steps forward to share their voices on themes of mental health and suicide awareness. This unique session offers a brave and supportive space for attendees to read their own deeply personal poems, transforming lived experiences into impactful art.
5:30 PM
Sharron Senior – Impact of Suicide on Families
Therapist Sharron Senior gives a 20 min talk on the the ripple effect, the impact of losing someone through suicide.
6:30 PM
Northern Rascals Sunny Side Showcase
Welcome to Sunny Side: The Short Film – where Northern Rascals imagine a world where it is safe for men to express their vulnerabilities, to hold each other, to comfort, to dance. Join for a screening of the 9-minute film, followed by a Q&A with Co-Artistic Directors Anna Holmes and Sam Ford, and a creative workshop.
