ABOUT US

A suicide prevention charity offering free, confidential emotional support for adults in Essex.

OUR STORY

Reach Out for Mental Health was founded in 2016 by Kirsty Eaton after her colleague died by suicide. That loss sparked a determination to create a space where people could reach out before reaching crisis point.

We believe that you shouldn't have to wait until you're at breaking point to get support. Too many people fall through the gaps, not ill enough for mental health support, but quietly not coping. We exist to fill that gap.

Today, we support over 1,000 people every year across Essex through our counselling, coffee groups, and telephone befriending services. Every person we support is treated with compassion, respect, and without judgement.

We exist because too many people are told they're not unwell enough for help. We disagree.

Reach Out For Mental Health is a registered charity providing free mental health support to adults aged 18 and over across Essex. We were founded on a simple principle: support should not have to wait until crisis.

Our services include one-to-one counselling, peer-led coffee groups, telephone befriending, and Port in a Storm — our walk-in service in Harwich.

Our Team

  • Kirsty Eaton

    Founder

    Kirsty founded Reach Out For Mental Health to address the gap in early intervention mental health support across Essex. She leads the organisation's strategic direction and serves as Designated Safeguarding Lead.

  • Matthew Reece

    Clinical Assessor and Referral Co-ordinator

    Matthew is responsible for triaging all referrals, conducting clinical assessments, and ensuring every client is matched to the right service safely and appropriately.

  • Lisa Fawcett

    Operations Manager

    Lisa manages the day-to-day operations of the charity, including administration, systems, communications, governance support, and service coordination.

  • Rachel Vallely

    Counselling Service Coordinator

    Rachel coordinates student counsellor placements and manages relationships with training providers across Essex.

  • Claire Bridges

    Port in a Storm Lead

    Claire runs Port in a Storm, our walk-in service in Harwich, providing a safe, open-door space for adults who need somewhere to go.