Harehills ❤️ Love

Welcome to Day 18 of the 2025 Harehills Good News Advent Calendar.

Sometimes, the most “good news” moments are the ones that come out of the hardest conversations. On Wednesday, 10th September 2025—World Suicide Prevention Day—our community didn’t shy away from those conversations. Instead, we lined the streets to carry a symbol of light right through the heart of East Leeds.

A Journey of 84 Heroes The Baton of Hope tour is a national initiative, but its stop in Leeds felt incredibly personal. The baton, a symbol designed to shatter the silence around suicide, was carried by 84 Baton Bearers—every single one of them a person personally affected or bereaved by suicide.

For the final, emotional leg of the journey, the baton made its way to us.

5:15 pm: It reached its final destination: The Old Fire Station in Gipton.

4:20 pm: It arrived at Harehills Park, greeted by a crowd of residents showing that in Harehills, no one has to walk alone.

4:45 pm: It wound its way through the green corridor of Wykebeck Valley Park.

The Finale at the Fire Station The choice to end the entire Leeds tour in Gipton was significant. It sent a message that our area is a place of safety and support. The finale event was a moving celebration of life. The BARCA “Being You Leeds” men’s group took to the stage to perform an original song written by their members. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a testament to the power of peer support and the bravery of speaking out.

Why It’s Good News It might seem strange to include a suicide prevention event in a “Good News” calendar. But the good news isn’t the tragedy; it’s the response. The sight of hundreds of people—neighbours, friends, strangers—standing together in Harehills Park and Gipton to say “We are here for you” is the ultimate definition of community spirit. It reminded us that while we cannot always prevent the darkness, we can promise to be there with a light.

Support is Always Available:

• Leeds Suicide Bereavement Service: 0113 305 5800
• MindWell Leeds: mindwell-leeds.org.uk
• West Yorkshire Suicide Prevention Champions: Sign up to help

Find out more:

East Side Story Coverage: https://eastsidestory.co.uk/gipton-at-the-heart-of-baton-of-hope-journey/

MindWell Article: https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/about-mindwell/awareness-dates-for-your-calendar/baton-of-hope-tour-25-leeds/

Leeds.gov article: https://news.leeds.gov.uk/news/baton-of-hope-full-details-as-tour-arrives-in-leeds-on-world-suicide-prevention-day