MP reveals her own family’s mental health challenges as new city event aims to break down taboos
AMANDA SOLLOWAY LAUNCHED OWN CHARITY CALLED HEADHIGH
THE founder of a local mental health charity has spoken out about her family’s struggles ahead of a new event designed to promote conversation about mental illness.
Amanda Solloway MP launched HeadHigh in 2017 after being inspired by her own family’s issues with the stigma of mental illness.
She has since become determined to open up the conversation and to encourage the community to come together in support.
She said: “My nan was agoraphobic and claustrophobic, and suffered from ‘living on her nerves.’
“My mum tried to take her own life when she was 17, and after that had a downward spiral. She would drink at home and when you do these things, you don’t properly realise that they start to create a problem.
“My mum had always been troubled and went into lots of different rehabs. It became really evident that it could have such a destructive effect on the family.
“We had a complete breakdown in our relationship but when she died it gave me a real chance to reflect on it.”
As the founder of HeadHigh, Amanda explained how, while she hasn’t personally dealt with mental health issues herself, she has seen the devastating effects it can have on her family’s life.
She said: “My cousin killed himself when he was only 36. He was on the other side of the family but he took his own life on Mothering Sunday in his mother’s house.
“That was obviously completely devastating for the family, but we never used to talk about mental health things which was why I started HeadHigh.”
Amanda, who is the Conservative MP for Derby North, said she was keen to help as many people as she could using the charity.
An upcoming event, Fundamental, is set to take place in Cathedral Green, Derby, on Saturday, September 4, and aims to raise awareness of mental illness and to encourage people to talk about the topic.
She admits that while the conversation around mental health has improved a lot in recent years, there is still a lot that could be done.
“We are all a lot more vocal about mental health now,” Amanda added.
“I’ve always tried to do things from a mental health point of view. I wanted to make sure that what we did addressed a gap that was there in Derby. We had the goal that if we could save one life, then we’ve done a good job.”
The charity aims for Fundamental to become an annual event, featuring local musicians, sports and stalls for people to visit.
The charity is hoping the event will be able to bring the local community together after a difficult year and help those who have been struggling.
Amanda said: “Anybody can struggle with their mental health at any point in their lives and we have all seen how the recent lockdown, with the loneliness, isolation and economic hardship that it brought, has had a devastating effect on people’s happiness and wellbeing.
“I know all too well from my own experience how mental illness affects the lives of everybody it touches, which is why I am determined, along with the rest of the team at HeadHigh, to encourage anybody who needs support by breaking down the taboo and shame associated with mental health.
“That’s why, after such a difficult few months for everyone, it would be wonderful to see as many people from across Derby as possible coming along to Cathedral Green to enjoy themselves on September 4.”