Last year the LRC embarked on a pombombing adventure in memory of Holly Cowlam. A caring and much-loved sister, daughter and friend, she ended her life a week after being diagnosed with depression.
Holly would be turning 30 on the 13th of February this year, so we’ll be celebrating her life with one of her favourite hobbies, pompom making. In the lead up to the day, Filton LRC will have a pompom station set up on Thursdays, but you can ask for the materials at any time. WISE and Queens Road LRCs will also have pompom materials and stations open during break and lunch.
When we get to the 13th of February, it will be time for the pombomb. That means we’ll be decorating areas with all of the pompoms that we’ve made in Holly’s honour. When you’re making your pompoms, and when we look at our beautiful creations on Holly’s birthday, remember the importance of mental health and how it can affect anyone. Use the experience leading up to the day to open up conversations and help reduce the stigma that still surrounds mental illness, particularly depression in this case. It’s okay to not be okay.
We also encourage you to make pompoms at home and pombomb local areas. Take photos of your work and spread awareness on social media with the hashtag #hollyspombombs and the tag @hollyspombombs.
If you’re struggling with your own mental health, please remember that there are resources out there. At SGS College you can talk to Ben Johnson (01179092413, SU@sgscol.ac.uk). Outside of SGS there is also plenty help available. You can phone or email the following organisations:
Samaritans – for everyone
Call 116 123
Email jo@samaritans.org
Papyrus – for people under 35
Call 0800 068 41 41 – Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm, weekends 2pm to 10pm, bank holidays 2pm to 5pm
Text 07786 209697
Email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Childline – for children and young people under 19
Call 0800 1111 – the number won’t show up on your phone bill
Bristol Mental Health crisis line – Bristol residents
Call 0300 555 0334. This line is open 24 hours a day, every day
It’s never too late to reach out. You deserve to be healthy.
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