A Penysarn mother who has set up a mentoring service for young people with mental health issues is my first Hidden Hero of 2023.
Kerry Davies-Jones launched the service following the suicide of her son Kale in 2018 aged 19.
The initiative allows a young person a safe space to talk and be listened to using local people who take the
time to help, advise and listen to young people and their problems.
Kerry hopes it will mean other Anglesey families will not have to face the loss of a loved one from suicide.
Kerry is a worthy first Hidden Hero winner for 2023 and I wish her all the best in her work
Mentoring is something very close to my heart as is the heartache of losing a loved one to suicide. My
brother took his life and Kerry and I have that bond in grief but also that desire to get something positive
from it.
I am a huge supporter of what she is doing and I will do all I can to help her and her brilliant and life-saving
work.
On accepting her award, Kerry said:
“I would like to thank Virginia for this award and her support. I hope it raises awareness of what I am doing
and that more young people come forward to be matched with mentors,”
“Mentors have the potential to become lifelong friends, or the relationship might only last until you've
achieved a goal, there's no one size fits all but I believe each mentor makes a huge difference."
Kerry is looking for more to help with the programme. If you could help, pleased email her at:
[email protected].
