Our Basingstoke Journey
We’ve designed a meaningful route through Basingstoke that highlights different communities affected by suicide and showcases the support available:
Each stop will feature:
- Information stands from local support services
- Mental Health First Aiders on hand
- Interactive displays and exhibitions
- Lived experience speakers
- Practical resources and signposting
Itinerary
Thursday 25th September 2025
7:30 AM – Gathering in Odiham
8:00 AM – John Pinkerton Barge, Basingstoke Canal
9:00 AM – The Barley Mow, Winchfield
9:30 AM – Rail Awareness Journey
10:00 AM – Belvedere House & Inclusion EB8
Official opening with speeches, art exhibitions, and creative activities to remember loved ones and inspire hope.
Speakers include: Cllr Paul Harvey (Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council), Luke Murphy MP, Cheryl Edwards (CEO, Inclusion Education), Barry Smith (Hampshire Chamber of Commerce), Matt Holman, and Caroline Roodhouse.
Activities include a memorial quilt, co-created artwork, lived experience presentations, and a film screening.
11:30 AM – Baton Bearers begin their journey
As the morning ceremonies conclude, the Baton Bearers take their first steps through Basingstoke, carrying with them the hopes, memories, and messages of a community united against suicide. This symbolic walk marks the transition from reflection to action, connecting each venue and every voice along the route. The journey is a living tribute to those we’ve lost and those who are still here, and a powerful call to build a future of hope.
12:00 PM – Camrose Centre
12:30 PM – Basingstoke Sports Centre & Festival Place
2:00 PM – The Tea Bar
4:00 PM –The Orchards
Closing ceremony with powerful talks from inspiring speakers and a gathering of local mental health and wellbeing organisations.
- Karl Loxton – Author and Ingeus Mentor, sharing personal insights and reflections on resilience and recovery.
- Molly Ellis – Project Accountability, speaking on the importance of transparency and lived experience in shaping mental health initiatives.
- Benjamin May – Founder of The New Normal, a community-led platform supporting people through grief and mental health challenges.
- Vincent Parkes – Therapeutic Mentor with Inclusion Education
- Kris Dale – Creator of Don’t Be a Can’t, a motivational initiative focused on empowering individuals through adversity.
- Marie Greenhalgh Relationships Director at Inclusion Education, delivering the closing speech with a summary and call to action.
Participating organisations include:
Winston’s Wish , Sport in Mind, Samaritans, Citizens Advice , SANDS , Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) , Alcoholics Anonymous ,ArtWell , Target Therapies LTD , Don’t Be a Can’t , #freethemenopause , Kingsclere Counselling , HVA (Hart Voluntary Action) , Homestart , Andover Mind and Simpila Wellbeing
6:00 PM – War Memorial Park
The Route Map
1. Basingstoke Canal
Beginning with a journey along the canal in the John Pinkerton boat, symbolising how support can help navigate difficult waters
2. Farm Transport to Winchfield Station
Highlighting the often-overlooked crisis of suicide in farming communities
3. Train Journey to Basingstoke
Acknowledging those affected by suicide on railways and the trauma experienced by transportation workers
4. Belvedere House, Basing View
Official launch at our Inclusion EB8 service location
5. Community Landmarks
Visiting The Anvil, Camrose Centre, Basingstoke Sports Centre, The Tea Bar, and The Orchards
How To Get Involved
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Contact Us
Ready to help bring hope to Basingstoke? Get in touch with our dedicated team.
Together, we can create a community where everyone feels supported, where no one suffers in silence, and where hope grows. It’s time to start the conversation.