Gardens of Hope open across Kent to support communities affected by suicide

Yesterday, Kent and Medway’s mental health trust in partnership with Keep Talking Services, opened the second of three “Gardens of Hope” at Herne Bay Football Club.

The installation of the gardens has been made possible thanks to a successful Hope Fund application to Kent County Council (KCC). The other communities to benefit from a Garden of Hope are Whitstable and Maidstone.

The gardens support the upcoming 2025 Baton of Hope Tour, the UK’s biggest suicide prevention awareness campaign. The tour will travel across the country and pass through Kent and Medway, shining a spotlight on suicide awareness and prevention.

Each Garden of Hope has been designed as a safe, reflective space where people can remember loved ones, find comfort, and draw strength from symbols of joy and hope. The gardens feature flowers chosen for their connections to memories, reflection, and resilience.

Each garden also includes a dedicated bench, honouring someone from the local community:

• Enchanted Gardens Kent, Whitstable – in memory of Chris Quenby, a young man from the area who faced challenges with his mental health and sadly took his own life.
• Herne Bay Football Club, Herne Bay – in memory of Bella Goldsmith, who was much loved by her community.
• Oakwood Reserve, Maidstone:  – honouring everyone in the community affected by suicide.

Natalie Farley, Involvement and Engagement Manager at the trust and a Baton Bearer for the Baton of Hope tour, said: “The Gardens of Hope are open to everyone and aim to remind communities across Kent and Medway that no one is alone in their journey. Every flower planted carries a story, and every story helps break the silence around suicide. These spaces show that from even the deepest pain, hope can grow.”

Visitors to the gardens are invited to plant flowers in memory of anyone affected by suicide, with plaques available for personal messages. At launch events, attendees also receive seed packets to create their own Gardens of Hope at home, extending the spirit of remembrance and growth into personal spaces.

As part of the initiative, an Accountability Book has been introduced, giving people with lived experience the opportunity to share their stories. Insights gathered will help shape better support and services for those affected by suicide and self-harm.

The creation of the gardens has been supported by local businesses, including B&Q Herne Bay, which donated topsoil and gardening equipment. Enchanted Gardens Kent, a local plant nursery, donated plants, helping bring all three gardens to life.

Mark Coombs, Local Store Manager in Herne Bay, who lost his brother to suicide and has been a strong advocate for awareness, attended the events to share his lived experience. He said: “These gardens provide a safe space for reflection, showing us all how something beautiful can emerge from pain and suffering.”

Alex Richardson, Operations Manager at Keep Talking Services and a Baton Bearer for the Baton of Hope tour, added: “At Keep Talking Services, we believe in the power of community and conversation. The Gardens of Hope give people a place to grieve, to heal, and to feel less alone.”

For more information, or to support the 2025 Baton of Hope Tour, please visit www.batonofhopeuk.org/the-tour