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The family of a local student who lost her life to suicide last year have revealed how the fund set up in her memory will support the mental health of the island's young people on what would have been her 16th birthday today.
Since 14-year-old Kezia Mason died last March, her family have worked tirelessly to drive awareness of suicide prevention and raise money to support the mental health young people and their families.
A fundraising campaign initiated by Kezia’s older brother, Ben, broke a series of initial targets – and, as it passed the £100,000 mark, a decision was taken to launch 'Kezia's Fund', managed by the Jersey Community Foundation.
Kezia’s father, Rob, said: “As a father who has experienced the devastating loss of my much-loved daughter – who would have turned 16 today – to suicide, our family felt compelled to establish Kezia’s Fund so that no other family in Jersey has to lose another child to suicide.
"We firmly believe in the importance of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our Island’s children and young people, as well as their families, by strengthening tangible and meaningful preventative support."
Pictured: Kezia's dad, mum and brother – Rob, Esther and Ben Mason. (Rob Currie)
He continued: “When awarding money to charitable projects, we prioritise applications that demonstrate a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable age group. We seek initiatives that foster resilience, offer comprehensive support services and promote early intervention.
"Additionally, we value projects that prioritise collaboration, innovation and a clear plan for the long-term.
“Through Kezia’s Fund, we aspire to bring meaning from her death and create a lasting positive impact on the lives and mental health of young individuals and their families in Jersey. By raising money and working with local projects that focus on youth mental health, we want to ensure that no child or young person or their family faces the darkness of mental health challenges alone.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has raised money for and contributed to Kezia’s Fund. We would also like to say thank you to the Jersey Funds Association who raised an incredible £12,500 for Kezia’s Fund at their annual dinner on Friday 14 July.”
Pictured: The second Run4Kezia, organised by Kezia's school friends, will take place in September.
In the first grant round, a total of 11 local organisations, groups and charities were awarded £109,689 from Kezia’s Fund in June 2023, including Thrive Jersey, The Jersey Youth Trust and Family Nursing & Home Care.
Thrive Jersey: £10,000 for the 'Youth Suicide Prevention Advocacy' project which ensures that every secondary school in the Island has at least 10 appropriately trained and supported suicide prevention advocates to act as points of reference and support within their year groups.
The Jersey Youth Trust: £5,404 for 'Wellbeing Days' which provides opportunities for young people to learn coping strategies that promote good and resilient mental health in a safe and relaxing space facilitated by professionals.
Family Nursing & Home Care: £14,460 for 'The Emotional Gym' programme which helps young people, who may be struggling with their emotional and mental health, to understand the link between physical and mental health and wellbeing and how to look after both.
Kezia’s legacy and Ben’s fundraising are also supporting one-to-one therapy sessions from Brighter Futures and funding two seasonal workers at ocean therapy charity Healing Waves.
You can donate to Kezia's Fund online HERE.
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