In Coronavirus Funding Impact Stories, Funding Stories, Physical & mental health, wellbeing & safety

Project: Providing immediate, life-saving support to local people who are at crisis point with their mental health
Grant: £800
Fund: NET Coronavirus Appeal (more info)

Local charity Hector’s House work throughout Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire to promote open discussions around mental health issues to end stigma and prevent suicide.

The charity was set up in the memory of Hector Stringer who took his own life at the age of 18 on the 20 April 2011. His loved ones distraught with so many unanswered questions, the charity made it their mission to open up the conversation surrounding mental health. Their key aims are to make it easier to recognise the symptoms and improve acceptance of mental illness, to increase the help available to those in crisis and to educate people about mental health.

With their grant of £800 from the NET Coronavirus Appeal, Hector’s House will be able to provide immediate, life-saving support to people at crisis point with their mental health at this unprecedented time.

“We set up Hector’s House in memory of our son and brother Hector – who took his own life aged just 18. We vowed to do everything in our power to fight against suicide and the stigma of mental health”, shared Sarah O’Brien, Executive Assistant at the charity.

“Thanks to Heart of Bucks and the incredible generosity of the community, we are able to provide life-saving assistance to people in Bucks and Herts who are at a crisis point with their mental health. We can continue to raise awareness about good mental health practices. Our team can continue to present (now digitally) to local schools to help young people build resilience and get the tools they need for their future emotional wellbeing.

“With the pandemic and global unrest, we are all feeling the effects on our mental health. And it’s ok to not be ok.

“The family and friends of Hector wish to extend the biggest, heartfelt thank you to the entire community for their unwavering support. You are all amazing, and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you”.