I've raised £2000 to Help Fund mental health counselling for young people in Gravesham
Organised by Peter Scutts
Story
William, Sarah and Harry are taking part the 55 mile London to Brighton Cycle ride to help support Young People who are struggling with their Mental Health
The Challenge
Our young people are facing a mental health crisis of unprecedented proportions. According to recent NHS national statistics, 1,600 young people aged 13-18 Living in Gravesham are likely to have a probable mental health disorder, nearly double the number from 2017. Shockingly, 1,200 of these young individuals will not receive the support they desperately need.
In Gravesham alone, the number of young people admitted to A&E at Darent Valley Hospital for deliberate self-harm, mental illness, or overdosing has surged from 73 in 2017 to 187 in 2022—a staggering 150% increase. We are truly in the midst of a mental health emergency.
Our Response
Since April 2022, the Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund has been a lifeline for over 250 young people seeking support. Unlike many services, we receive no public sector funding and rely entirely on community-driven events and donations to continue our vital work.
There is no comparable service in the UK. With the NHS overwhelmed, the likelihood of young people accessing free counselling in Gravesham is slim. A heartbreaking 91% of the young people who self-refer to the Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund have been unable to access the support they need elsewhere, with some facing waiting lists of up to three years.
Our Solution
The Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund offer a no-barriers approach, allowing young people to self-refer through our website and receive timely, effective support. But we can't do it alone.
How You Can Help
Every £450 we raise will fund nine sessions of mental health counselling for one young person. Your support can make a profound difference in the life of a young person in crisis, providing them with the help they need when they need it most.
Join Us
We need your help to continue providing this essential service. Please donate today and help us reach more young people in need. Together, we can make a difference.
