Ollerton-based suicide prevention group in the running for share of £3.5M of funding
A suicide prevention organisation set up by the parents of an Ollerton man who took his own life is in the running for a share of £3.5M of funding.
Paul's Pit Stop has been selected to take part in the next round of the Co-op Local Community Fund giving residents the chance to vote for the Community Interest Company (CIC) to receive a funding boost. Co-op Members can choose a participating cause to support and the more members who choose Paul’s Pit Stop the more funding it could receive.
Jane Beardsley and Mark Gamble established Paul's Pit Stop after their 31-year-old son, Paul, took his own life in 2022.
The name of the organisation reflects Paul's love for cars and his hometown's mining heritage.
After Paul’s death, Jane recognised the urgent need for an initiative like Paul's Pit Stop, after discovering that her son was one of eight men under the age of 40 who died by suicide in the Ollerton area over a two-year period.
It is hoped any funds donated through the Co-op Local Community Fund through can help the team deliver life-saving mental health and suicide prevention sessions in local schools, helping young people build resilience, seek help before crisis point and know they are not alone.
Mark Gamble said: “Please vote for us. The more votes we get, the more money we get. Mental health. Together we are stronger.”
Since its inception, Paul’s Pit Stop – promoting mental health and suicide prevention initiatives – has raised thousands of pounds for the community through various activities, including a sponsored walk, tombola, and fundraising quiz nights.
Jane said: “We don’t want another family to go through what we have.
“Our school visits communicate that it's okay not to be okay; we want young people to know that it's important to open up about their feelings and seek support.
“Our goal is to convey this message from a young age so that hopefully, people do not feel like suicide is their only option.”