The Isle of Man has been selected as one of just 21 locations for the 2027 Baton of Hope Tour, which aims to put suicide prevention in the spotlight and encourage open conversations about mental health.

The island was chosen from 60 applicants to take part in the UK’s largest suicide prevention campaign, organised by charity The Baton of Hope.

In 2027, the handcrafted Baton of Hope will travel across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, with communities coming together to mark its arrival.

The Baton will be passed between local Baton Bearers, many chosen because of personal experiences of bereavement, lived experience or a desire to challenge attitudes towards suicide.

The Isle of Man joins locations including Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool, Northern Ireland, Sheffield and the Scottish Borders for the third national tour.

It follows previous tours in 2023 and 2025, centred around the charity’s message to ‘Stand Up To Suicide’.

Mike McCarthy, co-founder of The Baton of Hope, said the organisation had been ‘astounded’ by the response to previous tours.

He said: ‘We bring suicide prevention out of the shadows and into everyday conversation.

‘From urban locations to rural spots, and everywhere else in between, the Baton has and will continue to travel through places like these to give everyone a voice about suicide prevention and awareness.’

The Baton of Hope was founded by UK friends Mike and Steve Phillip, who were brought together over social media following the loss of their sons to suicide.

Mike lost his son Ross in 2021.

He said: ‘Ross asked me in his goodbye letter if I would fight for mental health support, and use my voice as a journalist to make people listen.

‘I’m just so privileged and proud to be able to say to him, “This is what you wanted”, and I’ll never stop.’

The Baton was designed as a physical symbol of hope and suicide prevention, drawing inspiration from the Olympic torch, and was crafted in precious metals by silversmiths Thomas Lyte.

Thousands of volunteers, alongside celebrities, politicians and sporting figures, will be involved as it travels between the 21 locations.

Each community will be encouraged to organise activities around the Baton’s arrival, connecting suicide prevention charities and mental health organisations while giving people opportunities to learn more.

Workplaces are also encouraged to become involved through the charity’s Workplace Pledge initiative, which aims to give employers the tools and knowledge to recognise and support colleagues experiencing mental health difficulties.

The Baton of Hope is a member of the National Suicide Prevention Network, an initiative launched by The Prince and Princess of Wales’ Royal Foundation.

Following the 2025 tour, The Prince of Wales endorsed the charity’s work.

He said: ‘Together you have united people and communities across the UK to open up a national conversation on suicide.’

Further details about the Isle of Man leg of the 2027 tour, including local events and how people can get involved, are expected to be announced ahead of the visit.