Police Commissioner helps carry Baton of Hope
26 September 2025
Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has proudly helped to carry the Baton of Hope raising awareness of suicide prevention in Portsmouth on the latest leg of its UK Tour.
She was joined at Cosham Fire Station by fellow baton bearer, Stu Vince from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
The pair helped carry the Olympic torch-style baton for the start of the second leg, from Cosham to Hilsea, raising awareness and in support of the charity, which is the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative, first touring the UK in 2023.
Donna Jones said: “The proactive work of Baton of Hope is vital in helping to bring about change and provide a lifeline to people who are in a time of crisis.
“Their action here in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and across the UK, helps save lives. Their work with communities, organisations and fellow charities are key factors in future suicide prevention.
“We need to raise the conversation and eliminate the stigma around this issue.”
Station manager, Stu Vince, walked alongside the Police Commissioner for their leg of the Tour, he said: “In 2011 I was diagnosed with severe anxiety, depression and PTSD, but went on to become a Mental Health First Aider. Since then, in 2022, I’ve rowed 3,000-miles across the Atlantic, with another firefighter, to raise awareness for mental health. Having support across the community for initiatives like this is so important. We need to raise the profile of these issues in our communities and the people and causes who are out there trying to help.”
Lara Kynvin, Portsmouth Baton of Hope volunteer Project Leader said: “We are so incredibly proud to bring the Baton of Hope to Portsmouth.
“The support from the whole community has been overwhelming. So many charities and organisations have wanted to be involved to help get people talking about suicide, breaking the stigma around it and saving lives.”
Portsmouth’s day with the Baton of Hope began on Portsdown Hill and ended in Southsea. The next stop for the Tour is in Jersey on Sunday (28th) and it concludes in London on October 10th.
More information on the Baton of Hope:
Baton of Hope | It’s Time To Start The Conversation