18 local cycling to Brighton in aid of Gravesham youngsters’ mental health

On September 11th, a group of 18 Gravesham-based cyclists are riding 55 miles from London to Brighton in an attempt to raise £6,000 for the Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund.

Just over two years ago, Istead Rise teenager Elliott Holmes tragically took his own life, having struggled with mental health issues for years, unable to access support.

1 in 6 young people is now thought to have a mental health disorder, yet – like Elliott – 75% of them cannot get the crucial support they need.

To date, and with the help of the local community, the voluntary organisation has raised over £25,000. Through this sum, at least 50 young Gravesham-based people will gain fast access to private mental health counselling.

Peter says: “We know we can make a difference in Gravesham. Based on the national statistics, there are about 1,000 young people in the borough currently struggling with their mental health. While early intervention is crucial, it just isn’t happening.

“The EHMF has funding agreements in place with eight local BACP counsellor and we already have our first 12 young people in counselling. It’s a new but simple concept – a single point of contact with the counsellor, minimum barriers to access, utilising the capacity that already exists within the private sector.

“Importantly, there is a direct correlation between the money raised by the community and the number of young people that we can help. We are a team of volunteers, so can maximise the number of outcomes – it’s a real community effort.”

If you are 13-18 years old, struggling with your mental health, and living in Gravesham, then referrals can be made through the EHMF website at: www.ehmf.org.uk

You can help the cause by sponsoring the EHMF team via Peter’s personal fundraising page at: https://gofund.me/014779a1

In the photo: Seven of the 18 riders, outside The Ship Inn at Southfleet (event sponsors) left to right: Peter Scutts, Dan Ferla, Richard Brown, Kerry Holmes (front), Glenn Holmes, Nick Hedley, Warren D’rosario, Chris Warden from Move2Clear (Transport sponsor) and Eamon Fanning