16 October 2026

What my own mental health journey has taught me about the groups we fund: Emily's story

Content note: this blog talks about suicide and loss. 

For Mental Health Awareness Week, Emily Berridge, our Research and Insights Manager, shares her own experience of mental health and what it’s taught her about the groups we fund. 

I’m currently having treatment for complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), which stems from losing my mum to suicide when I was 11. Twenty years later, I lost my youngest brother to suicide too. 

To say these events have shaped me barely scratches the surface. Losing loved ones to suicide makes the world hard to navigate. It turns everything upside down, and I’m sure the shock of it will never leave me. Healing is an everyday challenge, and some days are better than others. 

Turning insight into action 

One part of that healing is my work at Somerset Community Foundation. I’m so proud that the work I do in research and insights influences what we fund. 

Mental health and suicide are some of the biggest challenges we face in Somerset. Our suicide rate is 23% higher than the national average, and men here are 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide than women. 

Support where it’s needed most 

It’s a great comfort to me that our funding regularly supports people living with mental health difficulties. That includes groups like In Charley’s Memory, a charity that supports young people at crisis point. 

Farmers are another group we’re proud to support. Surveys repeatedly show that their mental health is worse than that of the general population. In July, we funded Exmoor Hill Farming Network to run activities supporting the mental health of farmers on Exmoor. These include reducing stigma and starting early conversations about suicide prevention. Both are crucial steps in reducing the risk of suicide for people living and working on Exmoor. 

Never alone 

Our strategy sets out why we exist: to build strong communities where everyone can thrive. To me, that means making sure everyone in Somerset feels supported and never alone. I want to be part of this work for as long as it’s needed. 

If Emily’s story has struck a chord, you can help more people in Somerset find the support and connection they need. Our Somerset Wellbeing Fund pools donations to fund local mental health and wellbeing charities, so every gift goes further. 

If you’re struggling, or this has brought up difficult feelings, you can call Samaritans for free, any time, on 116 123.