Jordan in hearts and minds at fundraiser
Commemorative event
A special commemorative event is being held in Blairgowrie next month in memory of Jordan Hart.
Jordan died by suicide in November 2020, just days before his 17th birthday, and since then his family has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the importance of talking – and listening – to others.
There have been two Wellmeadow Walkathons in Blairgowrie, and three ‘happy to chat – happy to listen’ bench trails in and around the town created to provide a space where people can come together and talk, helping to reduce social isolation.
The focus has now turned to supporting a mental health drop-in hub in the town.
The ‘Keep Talking for Jordan’ commemorative event is the second to be organised by Jordan’s sister Bethany (21) in memory of her younger brother.
Last year it raised nearly £1000 and Bethany is keen for as many people as possible to come along and support the event once again.
She said: “Jordan will forever be in our hearts, thoughts and actions.
“And part of that is to keep the conversation going to help reduce the stigma around mental health.
“Events like this and the Wellmeadow Walkathon contribute to that while at
the same time raising funds for initiatives such as the ‘happy to chat – happy to listen’ bench trail and the new weekly cuppa and a cake get-togethers in the BaRI Building on Mondays, which are all part of our efforts to encourage people to get out of their houses and to keep talking to each other.
“We also want to support a mental health drop-in service in the town so that people don’t have to travel to Perth or Dundee to access the support they need in times of crisis.”
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, December 3, from 11am to 3pm at The Gig in William Street.
There will be a raffle, a silent auction, stalls and games – including Jordan’s favourite hook-a-duck – as well as a remembrance board where people can write messages for loved ones they have lost.
Bethany added: “We’re hoping for another good turnout at the event this year.
“We have some great prizes in the raffle and some great experiences in the silent auction.
“And there’s going to be a fantastic range of stalls offering lots of wonderful locally-produced crafts and gifts, perfect for some Christmas shopping.”
Jordan will forever be inourheartsandpartofthat is to keep the conversation going to reduce the stigma around mental health
Bethany Hart