When Jenny Woledge’s son took his own life aged just 20 she could have crumbled and withdrawn from life.

But instead, she dedicated herself to trying to prevent other families suffering similar tragedies.

She qualified as a suicide and self-harm prevention trainer, operating in schools, workplaces and universities, and supported and launched support groups, including SOBS, for those bereaved in similar circumstances in Canterbury and Thanet.

And while normal life ground to a halt during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Jenny played a key role in maintaining access to the groups and resources – sharing her time, experience and compassion online throughout the lockdowns to ensure vital support for the increased number of individuals reaching out for help.

Now, her passion and drive has led to her being named champion in the suicide prevention category of the recent Kent Mental Health & Wellbeing Awards at the Ashford International Hotel.

Judges said her “proactive, can-do and tirelessly supportive attitude” is an utterly invaluable resource for the Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Network, where she assists as a volunteer with personal experience.

Jenny, 59, from Ersham Road, Canterbury, lost her son Will, in 2015 when he took his own life after suffering bouts of depression, says she is honoured and humbled to have been given the award.

“To be honest, I’m a bit overwhelmed because there are so many people doing fantastic work in mental health,” she said.

“But it has given me a real sense of achievement and I am convinced that from the work we’ve been doing in schools especially, that young lives have been saved.

“Our message is that suicide is not the only answer.

“People are far more likely to talk about their mental health than they used to.”

Jenny, who took early retirement from her job as an HR advisor to focus on her voluntary mental health work, says it gave her a sense of purpose after losing Will.

"It was as if his world had caved in and he lost all sense of being a worthy person..."

He worked in the bakery at Sainsbury’s in Faversham and had a loving family, including a sister.

But shortly before his death he had revealed to his mum that he had been struggling with his mental health.

Jenny says she felt guilt for not spotting the signs earlier that something was wrong.

“I was very much like ‘what do you mean you don’t want to live?” she said.

“You’ve got a lovely house, a job, a car and no money worries’ But it was as if his world had caved in and he lost all sense of being a worthy person.”

Jenny desperately sought help for him, but it was to sadly prove too late.

And it was that experience of helplessness, which inspired her mission to try and prevent other young people from taking their lives.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time or click here to visit the website.

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