We are supporting the Humber region in hosting its first-ever Festival of Hope from 10–15 September 2025 – a week of events designed to raise awareness around self-harm and suicide prevention, celebrate resilience, and bring communities together.
The Festival is being led by Humber Wellbeing Hub CIC and the Blossom Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention Service, organisations at the forefront of local suicide prevention and wellbeing support. Across the week, schools, workplaces, community groups, and families will take part in activities of hope, remembrance, and connection.
At the heart of the Festival is the arrival of the Baton of Hope – the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative and a powerful symbol of remembrance, resilience, and action. For the first time, the Baton will be carried through Hull, East Riding and Barton, joining with local communities in a shared commitment to break stigma, save lives, and spread hope.
At RSPCA Hull & East Riding, we know that compassion and connection save lives – whether through the companionship of a pet, the purpose and belonging found as a volunteer, or simply through acts of kindness within our community. The unconditional support offered by a dog or cat can bring comfort, routine, and hope to people facing life’s toughest challenges, while volunteering with our charity provides purpose, social connection, and a way to give back.
By supporting the Festival of Hope, we stand alongside partners across the Humber region to promote resilience, break down stigma, and show that care for animals and care for people are deeply linked. Together, we believe that by building a more compassionate community, we can bring comfort, reduce isolation, and help spread hope where it’s needed most.
Festival Highlights:
- Wed 10 Sept – Walk for Hope (Fitmums & Friends): Guided walk from East Park to the Humber Wellbeing Hub, with support services along the route.
- Thu 11 Sept – Business for Hope: Free Zero Suicide Awareness Training for workplaces, with businesses leaving messages of hope for staff and customers.
- Fri 12 Sept – Hope in Education: Schools and colleges promoting mental health awareness and sharing young people’s voices of hope.
- Sat 13 & Sun 14 Sept – Wellbeing Weekend: Yoga, sound baths, reiki, tai chi, crafts and more at the Humber Wellbeing Hub. Full details via Eventbrite here
- Mon 15 Sept – Festival Finale (The Hub, Humber Bridge, 3–8pm): A day of connection with wellbeing stalls, live music, family activities, free semicolon tattoos, and the official welcome of the Baton of Hope, followed by a moving candlelit vigil at the Humber Bridge. Special guests include Andy Airey of #3DadsWalking, who will join local baton bearers to lead the Baton around Hessle Country Park.
The festival is being delivered in collaboration with Public Health, NHS, local authorities, VCSE organisations, emergency services, workplaces, schools and community groups. Together, partners are building a compassionate, visible response to suicide and self-harm, supporting the national goal of a society where fewer lives are lost.
As part of the Festival, people are being encouraged to complete the free TalkSuicide Online Training HERE – a 20-minute course that could equip you with life-saving knowledge.
Together, we can spread hope and save lives.
