Kent Police to signpost young people to EHMF

Over the past 5 weeks we have been briefing Kent Police teams, based in Northfleet, on the Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund’s work in the community, helping those young people who are struggling with their mental health access the support they need. Keen to know more about what we do and how we do it, Sonny Randhawa, Community Liaison Officer, invited me along to brief officers on our unique service.

Sonny Randhawa, said, “Officers often come across vulnerable young people, struggling with their mental health and need somewhere they can signpost them for help. The Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund is providing a much-needed resource locally.”

Police Officers will now carry EHMF cards and encourage young people to self-refer. Peter Scutts, Director of EHMF, said, “Over 60% of all our referrals are now self-referred, offering help to those young people who are clearly harbouring thoughts and feelings they cannot share closest to them and getting them the help they need, fast and without barriers.

The Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund has now helped 135 young people in Gravesham since April 2022, utilising the existing capacity within the local private counselling sector.

In May and June, 12 Police offficers will be joining the Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund’s Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge event, to raise funds to help young people in Gravesham.