A SUICIDE awareness charity has been handed a generous donation raised from the recycling of metals from cremations at Robin Hood and Woodlands.
The Cameron Grant Memorial Trust was given £5,000 to charity founders Carol and Evan Grant by Solihull councillor Alison Rolf, cabinet member for stronger communities and partnerships.
The money comes as a result of Solihull council being part of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Recycling of Metals Scheme, which sends the money raised from the recycling of metals back to the council.
The council can then nominate a local bereavement-related charity to receive a donation.
All of the material recycled is only processed with the written consent of each bereaved family.
Coun Rolf said: “I am honoured to be able to donate the money to this charity, which does wonderful work in Solihull and further afield.
“Sadly, Carol and Evan’s son Cameron took his own life aged just 21 after a lonely battle with depression.
“They established the charity in his memory and work tirelessly to prevent others from doing the same.
“The council is proud to be involved in this recycling of metals scheme and provide a donation to help the charity continue supporting people and their families through difficult times.
“Thank you to every bereaved family that has agreed to take part in the scheme, as without their support we would not be able to provide such an incredible amount of money to this extremely worthwhile cause.”
The Cameron Grant Memorial Trust aims to raise awareness of young suicide and urges all who are suffering in silence to speak up and ask for help.
It also provides support to those who are fighting to overcome poor mental health and assist in the provision of education to increase awareness and knowledge of the issues around mental health, especially amongst young people.
Carol and Evan added: “We are delighted and humbled to have received this donation from Solihull council and will use it to increase the reach of Cameron’s Coasters and Cards in local schools and colleges.
“Thank you especially to Coun Rolf for nominating Cameron Grant Memorial Trust to benefit from this scheme.
“She knew Cameron and has been a great supporter of our work since the beginning, not least by being a marshal on our Night Walk every year.”
For more about the Night Walk and all the other work visit www.camgrant.org.uk/night-walk
