Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has strengthened its commitment to supporting mental health and suicide prevention by signing up to the Baton of Hope workplace pledge.

The pledge, launched by the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative, commits organisations to removing and eradicating the stigma around mental health in the workplace, increasing awareness of suicide, improving support and making suicide awareness, support and prevention a workplace priority.

The council’s commitment comes as Hope Basingstoke, managed by Inclusion Education, continues its work to raise awareness and provide support across the borough after being named as one of four national hubs helping to promote Baton of Hope campaigns and pledges within local communities.

To mark one year since the Baton of Hope Tour visited Basingstoke, Hope Basingstoke is hosting a special anniversary event on Friday 25 September at The Anvil to celebrate the ongoing legacy of Hope Basingstoke and recognising the volunteers, partners, businesses and supporters who have helped this community movement.

This event will take place at 1.30pm on Friday 25 September at The Anvil in Basingstoke. Tickets must be booked in advance by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk and searching for ‘Hope Basingstoke Anniversary Event’.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion Cllr John McKay said: “Suicide has a devastating impact on families, friends and communities, and it is vital that we do all we can to challenge stigma and encourage people to seek help when they need it.

“By taking the Baton of Hope workplace pledge, we are demonstrating our commitment to creating a supportive working environment where conversations about mental health are welcomed and where people know they are not alone.

“We are proud to support the work of Hope Basingstoke and the anniversary event at The Anvil, which will celebrate the progress made over the past year while encouraging people to continue talking openly about mental health and wellbeing. By working together as a community, we can raise awareness, offer support and help save lives.”

Suicide is the biggest killer of men aged under 50 and women under 35 in the UK. Acute mental health conditions, including stress, anxiety and depression, are among the leading contributing factors to suicide and are also a major cause of sickness absence from work.

Information about support services available to residents are on the council’s website www.basingstoke.gov.uk/support-services. Residents can find out more information about Baton of Hope, free resources, guides and a directory of services on this website: TheBatonOfHope.org.