Giving Back

In May 2016, our son Andrew took his life after suffering from anxiety and depression for several years.  He was only 22 years old.

My family received a great deal of support from PETAL (People Experiencing Trauma and Loss) and SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide)

Young people are particularly vulnerable to mental illness and yet it can be frustratingly difficult to access the right support.  A charity which is working to change this is Young Minds. I want to help others living with the aftermath of losing a loved one through suicide, and to try to prevent other families from experiencing the same devastating loss. My photography is done on a non-profit basis, and all proceeds from sales will be donated to these three charities

PETAL provides all of its services FREE and provides a safe and confidential environment where those experiencing traumatic loss can meet with others in similar circumstances, to share mutual thoughts, feelings and experiences. PETAL provides support – irrespective of time – and aims to provide each new member support within fourteen days from initial contact.  PETAL is a Registered Charity with no affiliation to any religious or political party and is open to all sections of the community

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) exists to meet the needs and break the isolation experienced by those bereaved by suicide.  SOBS is a self-help organisation and it aims to provide a safe, confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings, so giving and gaining support from each other. SOBS also strives to improve public awareness and it maintains contacts with many other statutory and voluntary organisations.  It offers a unique and distinct service for bereaved adults across the UK, run by the bereaved for the bereaved, and it currently helps around 7000 people each year.

YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional well-being and mental health of children and young people. Driven by their experiences, YoungMinds campaigns, researches and influences policy and practice. YoungMinds also provides expert knowledge to professionals, parents and young people through its Parents’ Helpline, online resources, training and development, outreach work and publications.