St John’s School launches our bookmark programme

St John’s RC Secondary School in Gravesend has been the first to implement the Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund’s (EHMF) new bookmark initiative. Unveiled during a school-wide assembly of over 1,200 students this month, the bookmark features essential guidance for students facing mental health challenges. It also provides details on how to independently seek counselling through EHMF’s unique online platform.

Peter Scutts, Director of EHMF, emphasised, “Three out of four people who take their own life have not accessed mental health support in the year leading up to their death. The bookmark plays a crucial role in ensuring that all students are aware of available help, eliminating common barriers and delays, and offering easy access through our online self-referral form.”

The bookmark programme will be expanded to include additional Gravesham schools in the coming months, including St. George’s, Meopham School and Gravesend Grammar School for Boys. Local businesses have rallied behind the initiative, generously funding the production of the bookmarks. Tony Salerno, an ex-St John’s pupil from the 60’s who owns a hairdresser and restaurant in Gravesend town centre, is one of the first to sponsor the programme. He expressed pride in supporting his old school, stating, “Young people are the future, and we need to invest in their health. They are growing up in a far more complex world than we did.”

Associate Head Dan Walton acknowledged, “We are incredibly grateful for the excellent support EHMF are offering and providing to the youngsters of Gravesham. While we are extremely proud of the high quality of pastoral support we offer our students in school, it is wonderful that our students can now also access EHMF’s remarkable service should they need or wish to”.

Money to fund the counselling is raised by the Gravesham community through a wide range of fundraising events and sponsorship. If you would like to help, email them at peter@ehmf.org.uk

Photo – Peter Scutts, Director of the Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund addressing students at St.John’s RC Comprehensive School