29 September 2025
Community First drives Baton of Hope in Portsmouth
Community First was proud to play its part in the Baton of Hope as it paraded through Portsmouth.
The charity’s brightly branded minibuses were on hand to transport attendees to the special event and between workshops and activities throughout the day.
The Baton of Hope is the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative, touring towns and cities to open up conversations about mental health. The Portsmouth leg saw hundreds of people turn out to support the cause, with events and workshops taking place across the city.
Tim Houghton, Chief Executive of Community First, said: “It was a real honour for our buses and team to be involved in such an important day for Portsmouth. The Baton of Hope is about raising awareness, offering support and showing that no one has to face struggles alone. We were glad we could play a part by helping people get around and be part of the action.”
The day saw Community First’s Pompey Link buses keeping the event moving, making it easier for people to join in across different venues. The buses provided a friendly and reliable service for everyone attending.
Pompey Link, delivered by Community First and funded by Portsmouth City Council, is a flexible, shared on-demand minibus service that connects bus stops. The buses can be booked to travel directly to and out of Port Solent from Paulsgrove and Cosham. Key Cosham points include Queen Alexandra Hospital and Cosham Interchange which users can use to link with other bus and travel services.
Operated Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm (excluding bank holidays), the service can be booked on demand or up to four days in advance using the Book a Journey app or by calling Community First. Fares start from just £1-£2.50 depending on the route, and holders of concessionary bus passes travel for free.
The minibuses are wheelchair accessible, welcome guide and service dogs, and allow up to two children under ten to travel free with a fare-paying passenger, when pre-booked.