LOTTIE LEACH

After attempting to take her own life following years of depression and an eating disorder, Lottie became determined to destigmatise discussions around mental health through education and raising awareness in her school and the wider community.

LOTTIE'S STORY_

Wellington College

After attempting to take her own life following years of depression and an eating disorder, Lottie became determined to destigmatise discussions around mental health through education and raising awareness in her school and the wider community. Lottie began by organising a 24-hour danceathon, attended by 500 students and teachers, and raised £3,200 for charity Mind.

Lottie has given many speeches about her own mental health experiences, as she ‘speaks from the heart’ at school assemblies, external workshops and more. Lottie is praised for her openness and candour to help break down taboos in school, especially amongst boys who are more acutely affected by mental health stigma. Lottie has helped organise a ‘Community Mental Health Day’, attended by 2,000 people with more than 60 speakers.

She was appointed a school ambassador to stop stigma around mental health, and spoke with senior leadership at the school to request a chance to read and review the school’s policies around mental health. Her work is described as truly ‘life-saving’."

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