On Saturday 18th November, the Redhill community came together at Belfry Shopping Centre, not only to celebrate the festive season to come, but also to gain awareness on the significance of mental health in young people. Established in 2013, The Lucy Rayner Foundation is a remarkable charity advocating mental health awareness, named after Lucy Rayner, a young woman who lost her life to suicide in 2012. This foundation was created to honour her memory and to address the importance of mental health awareness in our community. 

Every year, Belfry Shopping Centre hosts a Christmas event during the month of November - Christmas lights are switched on and entertainment such as dances, pantomimes, singing are the heart of this festive celebration. All while raising money for local charities and community groups. This year a singer, Amie Johns, performed at the event on behalf of the Lucy Rayner Foundation. The Mayor of Reigate and Banstead was also present, in fact he was playing the role of Santa on stage! 

Jenny Rayner, the founder of the Lucy Rayner Foundation and the mother of Lucy Rayner, stated : “It is our 10 year anniversary this year, advocating for mental health in young people. We are really pleased about how we have impacted our community ; we really help parents and teachers”.  The organisation gives plenty of resources and opportunities ; they firmly believe “that mental health support should be accessible to all”. Another primary goal, is to provide support for individuals and families affected by suicide and break down barriers around mental health awareness in schools, workplaces and universities. 

The Lucy Rayner foundation has implemented a number of programmes and schemes to fulfil its goal. The foundation holds regular half-day talks and workshops in the Surrey region. Furthermore, counselling services are available for anyone in Surrey from the ages of 14 - 39.  Peer support groups and training programmes are available to schools and workplaces. In 2022 alone, the Lucy Rayner Foundation has trained 90 school teachers in mental health, first aid and 671 individuals have seen through their counselling service. 

The Lucy Rayner Foundation has impacted our community immensely, spreading hope and awareness to families. By providing crucial support services, the Lucy Rayner foundation continues to honour Lucy Rayner and spread this vital message. Especially at a time during Christmas, surrounded by our loved ones, the impact is much more powerful.