Building Hope and Community Resilience: My Commitment to Suicide Prevention in Somerset

My motivation for standing in the 2022 Somerset Council election was because I wanted to make a difference, especially around mental health. Having recently lost a friend to suicide, I felt a responsibility to help create change. Since then, we’ve mourned two more lives lost to suicide in our close-knit community between Shepton Mallet and Wells—remarkable people whose loss impacts us all.

This highlights the urgent need to address mental health collectively. I believe community-led efforts can make a real difference and where the solutions lie. The Strawberry Line, built through decades of dedicated community effort, shows how spaces created by an army of volunteers can promote connection, well-being, and hope. Not only for those whose efforts benefit us all, but also for community members who gain mental health benefits from enjoying this peaceful space and exercise. My hope is to install “afterlife” benches along this route—places for reflection, remembrance, and comfort. These benches can help those affected by loss find peace and access support, turning the path into a symbol of resilience and a resource for those who may need to reach out during difficult times.

Did you know that three times more people die by suicide than on our roads? A life is lost every 90 minutes, and Somerset’s rates are above the national average.

That’s why I support initiatives to understand and prevent suicide. I’ve had the honor of championing this as Vice Chair of the Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee, promoting training and awareness across Somerset Council and the county, supporting the Public Health team at the Council. I also help shape national mental health policies with the Liberal Democrat party, as part of a policy development group.

Every year, I participate in the Walk for Life on World Suicide Prevention Day in Taunton and plan to organise another in Shepton Mallet in 2026, working with local community groups. These events are about remembering those we’ve lost and inspiring hope in our community.

I support a vision that connects mental health, active travel, and nature. The Strawberry Line and Somerset Circle exemplify how community effort creates spaces that encourage movement, reflection, and healing. Thanks to volunteers and dedicated community leaders from the Strawberry Line, Somerset Circle, and Friends of Windsor Hill Tunnels, the first bench has already been installed, with more (I hope) to come along the entire route—transforming it into a lasting symbol of hope and resilience.

Together, community effort and compassion can inspire hope and support those facing mental health challenges. Every step forward along these paths helps save lives, heal hearts, and build a stronger Somerset.