Basingstoke carries the Baton of Hope

Neil Harris, founder and CEO of Sport in Mind, proudly carried the Baton of Hope as it made its way through Basingstoke. It was a day of quiet reflection, connection, and community, where hope was carried from place to place and people were invited to talk, remember, and support one another.

The Baton’s journey began with a symbolic trip along the Basingstoke Canal, aboard the John Pinkerton barge - a reminder that support helps us navigate life’s waterways, even when things feel unsteady. From there, it moved into the heart of the community, arriving at Belvedere House where lives touched by loss were honoured through art, lived-experience stories and shared memories.

As the morning unfolded, baton bearers walked through our town, bringing together voices from different parts of Basingstoke. At the Camrose Centre, there was space for reflection and support alongside stalls from organisations offering help. Later, at Festival Place and the Sports Centre, the focus shifted to wellbeing, with mindfulness, conversations about mental health, and ways to take care of ourselves - mentally and physically. In the afternoon, The Tea Bar came alive with music and singing, bringing warmth and solidarity.

The day closed in The Orchards, where people stood together to hear powerful speeches from those who have walked difficult paths, and to send out a shared message: there’s no shame in asking for help. Finally, in the early evening, a gentle “Walk and Talk” around War Memorial Park offered a chance to reflect, connect, and simply be present.

Basingstoke Samaritans was honoured to be part of the day. Our Listeners were available at key moments, offering a space for anyone who needed to speak, to be heard, or just to sit quietly with someone who cares. By being there, we hoped to reinforce that no one should ever feel alone.

The Baton of Hope reminded us all that hope doesn’t always come in loud, bold bursts - sometimes it’s carried quietly, step by step, in the company of others.