More than £20,000 has been raised to fund hundreds of counselling sessions for troubled teens struggling to access support in memory of a popular schoolboy.

Former Meopham Secondary School pupil Elliott Holmes died aged 19 after struggling for several years with his mental health.

His death at the start of the pandemic in June 2020 shocked the local Gravesham community and his name is now linked locally with several fundraising initiatives aimed at improving access to independent mental health services.

Within weeks of Elliott's passing his friends had clubbed together and raised more than £10,000 for the charity, Mind.

An inquest held into the apprentice engineer's death later identified "hiccups" and "gaps" in the teen's contact with mental health services and that correct procedures were not always followed.

Step-dad Peter Scutts, from Istead Rise, described the experience as a never-ending "merry-go-round" of triaging, referrals and assessments.

He says the therapists who are "so badly needed" are often "buried deep behind layers of bureaucracy", meaning only a select few are able to access them.

Peter, alongside partner and Elliot's mum, Kerry, are determined his legacy will be to help others and so started the Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund (EHMF) in September 2021.

The organisation aims to provide funding for one-to-one private talking therapy for vulnerable young people aged between 13 and 18 living in Gravesham.

And while Peter says it would be "virtually impossible" to address the scale of the mental health crisis facing the nation, he believes they can make an impact closer to home and that "early intervention is crucial".

Explaining the rationale behind the project, Peter said: "The Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund has been set up to raise money to fund mental health counselling for young people in our community, using local BACP therapists.

"Elliott was a popular teenager from Gravesham who took his own life in June 2020 after a long struggle trying to access NHS mental health services - in eight years, he never received so much as an hour’s counselling.

"The fund is named after him as a permanent reminder of the ultimate price we pay when help isn’t received."

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time. If you want to talk to someone confidentially, click here.

Ten counselling sessions – at an average cost of £50 per session - could significantly improve a young person’s life.

So far more than £20,000 has been raised from several group fundraising activities. This will directly fund 400 counselling sessions for 40 young people who need help.

Funding has come from several sources including grants and charitable donations from companies, individuals, quiz and music tribute nights, as well as an annual football match held in Elliott's memory.

Last month a "Texas Scamble" competition was held at Redlibbets Golf Club in Sevenoaks. It has proven to be the EHMF's largest fundraiser to date and raked in more than £3,250 – enough to fund counselling sessions for six young people.

Organiser Peter Scutts thanked all those involved and said he had been both "overwhelming and emotional".

"We had thirteen teams enter and 50 golfers turned out in what can only be described as brutal weather conditions," he said. "Congratulations to the winning team, ‘Three off the Tree’ and the runners up DGP Logistics."

The Gravesend businessman says the money will go a long way towards helping young people access the help they need.

He continued: "We have got enough money to pay for 40 young people and we have got people who have already started counselling."

Those without adequate funds to access counselling can sign up via a referral form listed on the website. To find out more information visit www.ehmf.org.uk.

Future fundraising events include this year's Elliot Holmes Memorial Cup which is taking place on Saturday, June 18.

Peter and friends are also planning a 55 mile London to Brighton bike ride this September where he hopes to raise an additional £10,000 to pay for 200 sessions for 20 youngsters. Click here to donate to the fundraiser.

In addition to his work with the EHMF fund, Peter and his partner have also been involved in setting up the Care and Support After Suicide (CASAS) group, which helps those suffering bereavement.

The group is the brainchild of Gravesham and Singlewell councillor, Diane Morton, who is a registered mental health nurse and trained counsellor.

She lost her own father to suicide when she was 19 and says it has had a lasting impact over the years and so wants to provide a safe space for those affected.