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.

Since April 2022, the Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund has been a lifeline for over 250 young people in Gravesham seeking support. Unlike many services, they receive no public sector funding and rely entirely on community-driven events and donations to continue their 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 heart-breaking 91% of the young people who self-refer to EHMF have been unable to access the support they need elsewhere, with some facing waiting lists of up to three years.

Join Us

Istead United Colts have partnered with Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund to raise awareness and give the local community the opportunity to help make a difference. The colts need your help to continue supporting this essential service. Please help us reach more young people in need. Together, we can make a difference.

Donate now and be a part of the solution. Thank you for your support.