FREE yoga and workout sessions, cricket activities, face painting, choir performances and a wealth of wellbeing and mental health advice will be on offer at a large family-friendly Derby festival in association with the emotive Baton of Hope tour coming to the city this weekend.
The Baton of Hope is the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative and is being brought to Derby on Saturday September 13 by a group of volunteers committed to helping reduce numbers of people taking the fatal step of taking their own life.
With the Derby tour led by Claire Goring who lost her own father to suicide, The Baton of Hope is a beautifully decorated object being passed around Derby on Saturday by people who have been affected by the tragedy of people taking their own life.
As part of the day, a huge series of free events have been planned in parks across the city to encourage families to come along and find out about the wealth of wellbeing, sporting and mental health services that are available in the local area.
In Darley Park, there will be a big family fair in the morning with a range of activities and stalls, including free yoga and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) sessions, with ice cream and other refreshments available to keep appetites satisfied.
Visitors can explore a range of stalls with representatives including Sporting Communities – which provides grassroots sport at Normanton Park Community Centre – Girlguiding, Young People’s Forest, Children First Derby and Headway.
There will be free yoga sessions going on for people who want to explore how this ancient art can help with suppleness and wellbeing.
The Darley Park event is being run by the Will Garvey Trust Foundation – set up in memory of a young man, Will Garvey, who took his own life aged just 20. The foundation offers a wealth of support such as mental fitness workshops, wellbeing libraries with the mantra that no-one should have to lose a loved one to suicide.
Joanna Garvey said: “When we talk to young people, and their parents, they often say ‘there isn’t any help, there’s nothing out there’. The event at Darley Park, that I’m organising, and events elsewhere in Derby, will showcase the support that there actually is in their local community. I really hope people, young and old, whatever their situation or experience of poor mental health will see they’re not alone and there is hope. There is always hope!”
Over at Derby County Cricket Club, cricketing activities will be on the menu of the day’s events between 10am and 2pm, while over at the Market Hall there will be a free exhibition on the theme of Hope with a focus on the arts for wellbeing.
Then visitors are encouraged to head over to Cathedral Green for the event’s finale which will feature performances from several ensembles including the renowned Derby Rock Choir.
David Walsh, director of operations for Supporting Communities: “Supporting Communities is proud to stand with the Baton of Hope in raising awareness around suicide prevention and the importance of talking openly about mental health.
“At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to supporting individuals, young people, and families with their well-being. We believe that no one should face their struggles alone, and events like this remind us of the power of community, compassion, and hope.”
Over at Derby County Football Club, business leaders are being urged to sign up to a free panel discussion featuring speakers such as record-breaking cyclist Leigh Timmis and ex professional footballer Clarke Carlisle who will be talking about the importance of mental health in the workplace.
Claire Goring said: “I’m really proud to be bringing The Baton of Hope to Derby on Saturday September 13.
“We have pulled out all the stops to make this an event for all the family because we believe that mental health and wellbeing starts at a young age. Everyone, everywhere, should know what services are available to them to get the help they need. As organisers of The Baton of Hope we are here to tell the world that you are not alone, and that as human beings we stand together against the darkness.
“Let’s try to take the stigma of poor mental health away and let people know help is out there.
“I hope lots of families come down to Darley Park, Cathedral Green and Derby County Cricket Ground and find out about everything that’s right here in Derbyshire to get them the support they need. We hope families have a great time at our wellbeing festival. The vast majority of it is free! We look forward to seeing everyone there on the day – rain or shine!”
Information on getting to The Baton of Hope events, parking, transport and more can be found at https://www.derby.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/parking-in-derby/
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