Bereaved parents and their cyclist pals are putting their pedal to the metal in a bid to raise vital funds and fast-track young people's access to mental health support.

Two years ago, popular Istead Rise teenager Elliott Holmes took his own life in tragic circumstances. He was just 19.

The former Meopham Secondary School pupil's death at the start of the pandemic in June 2020 shocked the local Gravesham community who, within weeks of his passing, had raised thousands of pounds for charity, Mind.

An inquest held into his death later identified "hiccups" and "gaps" in the apprentice engineer's contact with mental health services.

His step-dad Peter Scutts spoke of his frustrations at the system and how therapists were being "buried deep behind layers of bureaucracy".

One in six young people are now thought to have a mental health disorder, yet – like Elliott – 75% of them cannot get the crucial support they need, he explained.

It was this observation that led him and Elliott's mum Kerry Holmes to set up the Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund (EHMF) last year to help fast-track vulnerable young people's access to mental health professionals.

To date, and with the help of the local community, the voluntary organisation has raised more than £25,000. This will directly fund 500 counselling sessions for 50 young people who need help.

On Sunday September 11, the couple will join a group of 18 Gravesham-based cyclists riding 55 miles from London to Brighton in an attempt to raise an additional £6,000.

Step-dad Peter believes early intervention is crucial but "it just isn't happening".

"We know we can make a difference in Gravesham," he said. "Based on the national statistics, there are about 1,000 young people in the borough currently struggling with their mental health."

The EHMF has funding agreements in place with eight local counsellors registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and currently 12 young people are undertaking their first sessions.

The Gravesend businessman added: "It’s a new but simple concept – a single point of contact with the counsellor, minimum barriers to access, utilising the capacity that already exists within the private sector.

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.

"Importantly, there is a direct correlation between the money raised by the community and the number of young people that we can help.

"We are a team of volunteers, so can maximise the number of outcomes – it’s a real community effort."

If you are 13-18 years old, struggling with your mental health, and living in Gravesham, then referrals can be made through the EHMF website.

You can help the cause by sponsoring the EHMF team via Peter’s GoFundMe page.

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.