Baton of Hope Portsmouth: Stories, Voices, and a Legacy That Matters

In 2025, we were asked to document the Baton of Hope tour as it came to Portsmouth. What began as an event film quickly became something far more human, far more emotional, and far more important than we expected.

We worked closely with project lead Lara Kynvin and with CP Robinson to capture not just what happened on the day, but why it mattered. The Baton of Hope isn’t about spectacle. It’s about people, stories, and honest conversations around suicide, mental health, and support.

Recording voices that are often unheard

Across the day, we recorded around 40 interviews with baton bearers. Each person carried their own reason for being there. Some spoke about loss, some about survival, some about hope, and some about the quiet, everyday work of supporting others. These weren’t scripted moments or polished soundbites. They were raw, personal reflections, shared with courage and trust.

Alongside this, we filmed the organisations supporting the event, giving them space to talk about the services they provide and the help available locally. A big part of the brief was making sure this work didn’t disappear once the day was over. These clips were created to live on, to be shared, and to point people towards real support when they need it most.

Telling the story beyond a single film

In addition to filming the main event, we produced a large number of short social media clips. These were designed to travel, to reach people who might never sit down to watch a longer film, and to keep the conversation going long after the Baton had moved on to the next city.

The main outcome was a 12-minute film capturing the full arc of the day. From the atmosphere and the walk itself, to the voices of those carrying the Baton and the organisations standing alongside them. The aim was never to sensationalise or dramatise. It was to document, respectfully and honestly, what collective hope can look like in action.

Lara’s legacy

Not long after the event, Lara died by suicide. Writing that still feels heavy. Lara poured herself into this work. She cared deeply about people, about visibility, and about making sure conversations around suicide didn’t stay hidden or polite.

Knowing what happened afterwards has given this project a weight we didn’t anticipate at the time. It has changed how we look back on the footage, the interviews, and the day itself. Lara’s legacy lives in the voices that were shared, the connections that were made, and the ongoing work of the organisations she helped bring together. The Baton of Hope was never just a moment — it was part of something ongoing, and that remains true now.

Why this work matters

This project wasn’t about ticking a box or producing a highlight reel. It was about responsibility. About handling people’s stories with care. About making sure the work continues to speak, even when the event is over.

We’re proud of the films and content we created, but more than that, we’re proud to have played a small part in amplifying voices, signposting support, and honouring the intent behind the Baton of Hope. This work stands as a reminder that storytelling can carry weight, and that sometimes the most important thing a film can do is simply allow people to be seen and heard.

If even one person finds support because of something they watched, shared, or recognised in these films, then the work has done what it was meant to do.

We worked closely with Lara Kynvin on the Baton of Hope Portsmouth event. She cared deeply about helping people, about honesty, and about making sure no one felt invisible. This work carries her spirit forward.