The Baton of Hope visits the Attis Arena on Monday

Scunthorpe United is proud to announce that we will be welcoming the Baton of Hope to the Attis Arena, as part of its nationwide journey to raise awareness around suicide prevention and mental health support.

The Baton of Hope is the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative, travelling the length and breadth of the country to spark conversations, break down stigma, and share the vital message that there is always hope and always help. Carried by inspiring individuals, each with their own story to tell, the Baton visits communities, schools, businesses, and sporting venues – and now it is coming to Scunthorpe.

On its arrival at the stadium, the Baton will be carried onto the pitch where representatives of the club, supporters, and local mental health advocates will join together to mark the occasion. It will be a moment to reflect, to support one another, and to reaffirm our club’s commitment to making football a safe, welcoming, and supportive place for all.

The Iron will welcome the baton on Monday, September 15th between 1pm and 2pm. As part of the initiative to raise awareness around suicide prevention and mental health, we will be opening the Threadgold Stand (entrance next to the ticket office) for supporters to join us and give their support to the event.

Throughout the hour, the club intends to use our electronic scoreboard by putting pictures of those connected with the club who people wish to remember, and are inviting supporters to submit theirs to [email protected].

After the baton has moved on to the next leg of the tour, we would also like to invite supporters, members of the public and those taking part in our stint of the journey to join us in the MKM Executive Lounge, giving attendees the chance to learn more about the Baton of Hope and the organisations it supports, and to network with like-minded individuals, many of whom may have regrettably gone through experiences related to suicide or mental health. There will also be a quiet area for anyone wishing to have a moment of reflection, to seek support, or be signposted to relevant services. Andy Man’s Club and North Lincolnshire Youth Counselling Service will remain present during this time.

Together, we can ensure that the conversation around mental health continues long after the Baton’s visit.

For more information on the Baton of Hope and the work being done nationwide, visit batonofhopeuk.org.