A fund set up in memory of a teenager who took his own life has been recognised with one of the UK’s highest honours after helping hundreds of young people access mental health support.
The Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund has received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).
The fund was set up in memory of Elliott Holmes. Picture: Peter Scutts
The equivalent of an MBE presented to individuals, the KAVS is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK.
Announced today (November 14), on King Charles’ birthday, the award recognises the commitment of volunteers along with the community spirit that has helped transform mental health support for young people across Gravesham.
The fund was established after the death of 19-year-old Elliott Holmes to suicide in 2020. It has helped more than 750 young people access fully funded professional mental health counselling since 2022.
The former Meopham Secondary School pupil, who lived in Istead Rise, had struggled with his mental health.
Since then, a team of five volunteer directors and individuals have developed and run the unique self-referral model, supported by numerous members of the community organising fundraising events, including schools, local businesses, clubs and individuals.
EHMF says its success has been built on people giving their time, expertise and generosity to help young people when they need it most.
Elliott’s step-dad Peter Scutts, founder and director of the Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund, said: “This is an extraordinary honour, but it belongs to far more people than those of us running the fund. It belongs to the Gravesham community.
“When we lost Elliott, we could never have imagined that something so positive and successful could grow from such a devastating loss. What began as a determination to help other young people has become something our whole community can be immensely proud of.
“Alongside our dedicated team of local professional counsellors, our community volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. The hundreds of individuals, schools, businesses and organisations who have believed in us, raised money and opened doors have helped make our much-needed work possible.
“To receive recognition from His Majesty The King is a tremendous achievement, but the greatest reward will always be knowing that, together, we are empowering young people and transforming lives.
“This award belongs to Gravesham, and everyone who has played a part should feel incredibly proud.”
Volunteer directors Steve Seath (governance), founder Peter Scutts, patron Kerry Holmes; Matthew Davies (fundraising); Terri-Ann Fairclough (operations) and Tina Walker (post-counselling)
As well as offering individual counselling, the fund tries to create a stronger mental health safety net for young people in other ways.
All eight mainstream secondary schools in Gravesham have recently agreed to form the Gravesham Secondary Schools Mental Health Alliance with EHMF, strengthening early intervention and access to support.
It has also set up partnerships with local leisure and community organisations to provide opportunities for young people to build confidence, wellbeing and social connections after counselling.
Those involved with the fund say whether organising fundraising challenges, sponsoring events, raising awareness or simply giving their time, the people of Gravesham have helped turn one family’s tragedy into a lasting legacy of hope.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Kent will present a crystal award and certificate at a future date and two volunteers will attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in the summer.
You can find out more about the fund at ehmf.org.uk
Peter added: “We have shown what a determined group of volunteers, supported by a generous community, can achieve. Our ambition now is to ensure that every young person in Gravesham knows there is somewhere to turn before they reach crisis. This award gives us even greater determination to continue that work.”
Matthew Davies, fundraising director and volunteer, said: “Some of the most important work carried out by our volunteers happens quietly, away from the spotlight. Their dedication and compassion are extraordinary, and this award gives them the recognition they so richly deserve.”
Kerry Holmes, charity patron and Elliott’s mum, said: “As Elliott’s mum, this award is incredibly emotional. Nothing will ever take away the pain of losing him, but knowing his name has brought people together and helped hundreds of young people means more than words can express. Elliott would be so proud.”
Operations director Terri-Ann Fairclough said: “At the heart of EHMF is a simple belief – that every young person should have someone to talk to when they need it most. Our approach is simple, yet the impact can be life-changing. To have our work recognised in this way means so much to everyone involved.”