Chris Sutherland, CEO of Dìon-Cùram Carries Baton for Baton of Hope in West Lothian
Dìon-Cùram CIC co-founder and CEO, Christopher Sutherland — a serving public protection police inspector — was selected as a Baton Bearer, representing both Edinburgh and Midlothian among the 64 chosen for the Baton of Hope, the UK’s largest suicide awareness initiative on the West Lothian route on September 5, 2025.
A Baton of Change
Launched to challenge stigma and celebrate hope, the Baton of Hope tour unites those with lived experience, community leaders, and changemakers across the UK.
As the Baton travels the nation to spark dialogue and inspire change, Christopher—born in Edinburgh and raised in Loanhead, Midlothian—helped to carry it through West Lothian, honouring lives lost, elevating lived experience, and championing mental health support and suicide prevention.
He walked with purpose in West Lothian, representing the voices of those who had been lost, those we stand beside today, and those we continue to fight for tomorrow.
“This isn’t just a personal honour—it’s a moment for all of us who believe in a different kind of society. One that listens, supports, and never gives up on hope. Irrespective of your role at work or in the community, we are all practitioners and change agents when it comes to mental health.”
‐ Christopher Sutherland, CEO, Dìon-Cùram
Empowering Through Lived Experience
Christopher’s selection highlighted his unwavering dedication to mental health advocacy and his transformative leadership in driving systemic change.
His advocacy is also deeply rooted in personal experience. During his formative teenage years, his father was detained on and off for 3yrs at Rosslynlee Hospital —a pivotal chapter that gave him profound insight into the realities families face during mental health crises.
This experience not only shaped his understanding but also continues to fuel his commitment to strengthening support structures, promoting family-inclusive approaches to care and ensuring communities are well equipped to support one another.
Through his first responder frontline role as a national suicide prevention lead within policing and his recently established not-for-profit organisation, Dìon-Cùram CIC, Christopher is advancing a bold vision of community-led suicide prevention. His work spans training programmes, grassroots empowerment, and strategic partnerships across Scotland—amplifying mental health awareness and driving real-world impact.
Dìon-Cùram appears in the latest edition of the ESES Communities Social Enterprise Directory which focuses on presenting suppliers and contractors with a tangible 'go to' list of socially responsible businesses who can provide services required.
