When the Baton of Hope returns to Birmingham in 2027, it will carry a powerful message: conversations can save lives. As a social housing provider, we know this truth intimately.

In 2024, 89 people in Birmingham died by suicide. Behind each statistic is a family, a friendship—and often, someone living in a home like yours. At Expectations UK, we believe that safe, stable housing forms the foundation for wellbeing. But housing alone isn’t enough. We must go further.

That’s why we invest in training our staff to recognize signs of distress, respond with compassion, and connect residents to mental health support. Our teams understand that a knock on the door, a friendly conversation, or simply knowing someone cares can make the difference. The Baton of Hope represents exactly what we stand for: taking mental health support beyond clinics and into communities, homes, and hearts. It’s about breaking stigma and creating spaces where people feel safe to talk, to seek help, to hope.

We’re proud to champion suicide prevention alongside our residents. Because at Expectations UK, we don’t just provide homes—we nurture expectations of better days ahead.

Together, we can make a difference.

Urgent support

In an emergency, if you or someone you know is at risk of harm, phone 999 or visit your nearest Accident and Emergency Department.

For urgent support, or to speak to some, phone the Samaritans for free on 116 123.