Berkhamsted suicide prevention charity chosen as Waddesdon's charity of the year
It has been voted for by staff and volunteers at Waddesdon Manor and the Rothschild Foundation
A Berkhamsted-based suicide prevention charity has been chosen as Waddesdon Manor and the Rothschild Foundation's 2021 charity of the year.
Staff and volunteers have voted for Hector's House, which promotes open discussions around mental health to end stigma and prevent suicide.
Founded in memory of Hector, who took his own life in 2011 at the age of 18, the charity aim to prevent suicide and mental health stigma through education, awareness and support.
Hector’s House has reportedly seen a significant increase in their work since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
The charity has online resources, such as the Library of Calm, helplines and meditation classes, as well as tailored signposting for anyone who turns to them looking for support.
Simon Wales, chief executive officer at Waddesdon, said:
"I am thrilled to announce that, having received the most votes from staff and volunteers, Hector’s House are Waddesdon’s Charity of the Year 2021.
"Mental health support is crucial, and this has only become clearer following the difficulties of the past year.
"We look forward supporting this worthwhile charity and its incredibly important cause."
Robert Stringer, chairman of trustees at Hector’s House, said:
"We were blown away by the news of becoming Charity of the Year 2021 - which we received the day before the 10-year anniversary of Hector’s death.
"It really felt as though Hec was smiling down on us.
"The Stringer family and Hector’s House team cannot thank everyone at Waddesdon and the Rothschild Foundation enough for this opportunity and awareness."
As the winning charity, Hector’s House will get a grant from the Rothschild Foundation, a grant-making charity based at Waddesdon, and support from staff and volunteers at events throughout the year.