The best friends of a teenager who killed himself are calling for changes in the support offered to young people suffering with mental health issues.
On February 22, 2018, Lee Thornley took his own life, aged 17, much to the surprise of his closest friends and family.
Lee, from Huyton, was described as always being there for his friends, however, he struggled to find the right support when he needed it most.
Now his friends have taken the issue into their own hands by setting up The Lee Cooper Foundation , in his memory, in the hopes to avoid other teenagers turning to suicide.
Speaking to the ECHO, one of Lee’s best friends, Lily Spendlove, who attended Lord Derby Academy with Lee, said: "We need to change the stigma, people are encouraged to talk now, but we also need to focus on once they are talking to provide the support for them.
"It takes a lot for someone to open up and ask for help but if they ask for help and its not reciprocated on the other end, it’s just going to discourage them...
"Our foundation is based on the fact that we are run by young people for young people, so when the kids come to us, the age/power status is already removed, so they find it easier to confide in us."
The main aim of the foundation is to change the stigma around mental health and the support that is available for young people.
The Lee Cooper Foundation offers weekly and monthly drop in sessions, so teenagers can find a safe space to visit and discuss concerns.
Lily and other members have also worked with local schools and sixth forms to deliver assemblies and talks on how to get help.
Speaking about Lee, Lily said: "Lee was the most amazing person you'll ever meet...
"It was a shock, it took a while to set in. There are still times now, I don’t believe [that he is gone].
"I still pick up the phone and want to call him, but he is still here in some way.
"The impact he had on all of us, there is a Lee-shaped hole in every single one of us, so he’s still here....
"It means a lot to me to do such an amazing thing in memory of him because Lee was everyone's go-to person, he knew what to say, when to say it, what not to say.
"For us to be able to provide a big part of his personality to so many young people - it means a lot."
Despite the foundation being in its first year, it has already been selected by Mayor of Knowsley, Jackie Harris to be her charity for 2019/2020 and it was also awarded a £8,490 Lottery Funding Grant.
However, there’s still a long way to go and with more support, Lily hopes the foundation can grow to offer more help to those in need.
At the moment there is a group of eight volunteers offering support to 15 young people.
Lily said: "We definitely want to expand, because the skills and coping mechanisms our kids have developed so far, they are passing onto their friends."
For World Mental Health Day, on October 10, The Lee Cooper Foundation is holding an event to raise awareness of the services it provides.
For more information, visit theleecooperfoundation.co.uk
