Hi All,  

A few weeks ago in the news, it was reported that a you man had fallen from the Whispering Gallery in St Paul's Cathedral. He was only 19 and died shortly afterwards. Well, it later came out that he didn't fall, he took his own life. It also came out that he was away at university at the time, he had been missing classes for sometime, yet no one thought to tell his parents.

Well, I have 3 sons, 2 of then are at university but still living at home. The story of this lad, it really, really affected me. I did some research to see whether teachers are qualified to notice if anyone is struggling mental and what training they have. I was shocked to learn that if any teachers want to do a training course that will help them recognise symptoms of someone struggling with mental health, they have to pay from the training which is around £250 for each person. It isn't mandatory either. I believe it should be. I want to start a charity that will educate people, including all teaching staff in recognising symptoms and how best to help the one struggling.  I suffer from anxiety and depression myself and it can be very debilitating.

I've already decided I want to raise money for helping youths with depression. I just don't know if it's best to raise money for existing charities or to start one up that is specifically aimed at raising money for staff to get the necessary training. Please can someone advise on what you believe would be the best options?

Thank you.

Lisa