Member Article

Founder of suicide prevention charity wins a regional award

Catherine Devereux, the founder of Stockton-based charity Headlight Project, has won big at the recent Tees Business Awards, taking home the Making A Difference award.

Headlight Project was launched in 2019 following the suicide of local businessman Russ Devereux. His wife, Catherine, set up the charity to help those in a similar situation to her and reduce the number of deaths by suicide across the region. The charity is doing this by providing therapeutic support to children and adults, visiting schools to talk about the subject, and providing training to organisations and workplaces.

So far, the charity has supported thousands of bereaved children and adults across Teesside who have lost a person close to them to suicide.

Speaking of the win at the Tees Business Awards, Catherine said: “I am thrilled to win this award, it is an incredible honour to be recognised in the Teesside community as someone who is making a difference.

“As much as I initially launched the Headlight Project, it’s about the people who come to us - it’s their bravery in asking for support and the sharing of their stories which is to be celebrated, not me.”

She added: “Winning this award highlights the incredible work and support the team delivers every day, making a difference to the people that need it most.”

It was a double win for the Headlight Project team, as trustee board member Ken Devereux of Devereux Transport and Distribution won the Lifetime Achievement award for his directorship of the family-owned business and his philanthropic work.

It is hoped that the wins will continue to raise awareness about suicide and educate as many people as possible.

Headlight Project has recently launched a new corporate partnership scheme in which local businesses and individuals can get involved and support the charity.

Becoming a member of the 5th Wheel, either as a supporter or partner, allows local businesses and people to publicly show their support for the Headlight Project, which will raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. By partnering with the charity, businesses would be supporting local people who have been bereaved by suicide, as well as helping the charity with its long-term strategy of prevention and working with school children.

All 5th Wheel members will feature on the charity’s website and benefit from PR, social media, and networking opportunities, one of which is a networking breakfast. Partner-level benefits also include a free suicide awareness presentation and a discount on suicide prevention training.

So far, there are eight partners, including AV Dawson, Better, Harvey & Hugo and Clinkards, and four supporters which are Intelect UK, Direct Business Supplies, IOS and DMC Photography.

Speaking of the partnerships, Catherine said: “We are honoured that well-known businesses in our area have already signed up to the 5th Wheel. It shows businesses want to help and have a strong focus on employee mental health and well-being, which is key to what we are trying to achieve.

“We are keen to work with as many businesses as possible from across the region to develop lasting and mutually beneficial relationships and save lives.”

If you would like to learn more about Headlight Project and become a corporate partner, visit the website.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Headlight Project .