SOUTHAMPTON crematorium donated £8,000 to mental health charity called The Red Lipstick Foundation.
The charity is known for supporting families bereaved by suicides, sudden deaths and people struggling with mental health issues.
Southampton was selected as one of eight areas in England to tackle mental health stigma.
Southampton crematorium, which is run by Southampton city council, raised the money through their Institutes of Cemetery and Crematorium Management recycling metal scheme.
The crematorium has donated more than £33,000 over the past two years to various charities.
Jax Missen, the founder of The Red Lipstick Foundation, said: “In 2014, my daughter committed suicide. I started this charity to support people like me, who lost their loved one to suicide and to help those who are suffering from mental health issues. Since the past five years, we have offered support to 190 people in Hampshire. There are people out there in the city who are afraid to ask out for help. I want to reach out to them and help.”
Brittany passed away a day before her 20thbirthday. Credits (The Red Lipstick Foundation)
The charity offers peer support, counselling, home visits, support meetings and one on one sessions. The charity was named Red Lipstick Foundation due to Brittany’s love for bright lipsticks.
She also said: “Our charity is very small, every penny we raise makes a massive difference. The donation from Southampton crematorium will allow us to continue our work.”
Last year Jax led a campaign to install yellow plaques around the city. The plaques were
located in areas where people have been known to take their lives, including inspiring messages like “you matter” to those contemplating suicide.
This year in February, Southampton and Portsmouth were selected as one of eight areas in England to tackle mental health stigma.
According to a report published by Mental health statistics in England, it was revealed that suicide is the most common cause of death for those aged 10-34. It was also mentioned in the report that 51.6% of people aged 16-34 who are suicidal don’t seek support.
If you are feeling down or desperate, these are some free helplines available to help anytime, unless it says otherwise.
Samaritans – for everyone
Call 116 123
Email jo@samaritans.org
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – for men
Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight every day
Childline – for children and young people under 19
Call 0800 1111 – the number won’t show up on your phone bill
By Shivalika Puri (@shivalikapuri)
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