About Us – The Life Matters
At The Life Matters, we are dedicated to supporting children and young people struggling with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Every day, far too many young lives are affected, and we believe no child should feel alone in their pain.
Why We Exist
The reality is alarming:
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1 in 7 children aged 10–19 have engaged in self-harming behaviours.
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Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15–19-year-olds globally.
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Children who self-harm are at significantly higher risk of long-term mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviour.
These numbers represent real children—friends, classmates, and neighbours—who need hope, understanding, and support.
Our Mission
We aim to save lives by providing early intervention, raising awareness, and offering emotional support to children, families, schools, and professionals. Through education, advocacy, and direct care, we work to prevent self-harm and suicide before crisis occurs.
What We Do
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Direct 1:1 Support
We provide one-to-one intervention directly from the charity, offering confidential support to children and young people in crisis. Our trained team helps children develop coping strategies, resilience, and hope for the future.
Training for Schools and Professionals
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1:1 Targeted Intervention Training: Schools and professionals are equipped to deliver personalised support to children who need it most.
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Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training: Professionals are trained to confidently identify and respond to signs of self-harm and suicidal behaviour.
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Children’s Mental Health Ambassadors: We empower children to become peer supporters and advocates for mental health in their schools.
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Whole-School Approach: We provide ready-made 10-week lesson plans for PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education), designed to promote emotional literacy, resilience, and wellbeing across the whole school community.
By combining direct support with training and a whole-school strategy, we create safer, more understanding environments where children feel seen, heard, and valued.
Our Commitment
At The Life Matters, every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and heard. We are committed to building a world where seeking help is a sign of strength and where no child feels that suicide is the only option.
Our Founders Story
Mary Brockwell – Founder, Author, and Advocate
Mary Brockwell is the founder of The Life Matters Charity, an organisation dedicated to supporting children and young people facing adversity, mental health challenges, and social hardship. The charity was established in memory of her brother, Lee, who tragically died by suicide at the age of 25.
Mary discovered later in life that she is neurodivergent, living with autism and ADHD. Having grown up as a young carer for six siblings, she left school at 13 to support her family while navigating abuse and hardship. Despite these early challenges, she has built a distinguished career across the NHS, police, schools, charities, and social services, leading complex cases and designing programmes that empower vulnerable individuals.
She is also the creator of the A Child’s Voice model, a trademarked framework that she generously licences to The Life Matters Charity free of charge, in line with its terms and conditions, enabling the charity to use it to benefit children and young people.
Mary is the author of Angel Whispers: When Two Worlds Collide, a spiritual and inspiring book offering hope and guidance to those facing adversity or mental health crises. The book has been sold in the UK, Australia, and the USA, reaching and inspiring readers internationally.
Mary is writing her next book, I thought I was broken, about her experiences with AuDHD and life’s challenges. Her work is driven by a commitment to understanding, empathy, and supporting those in need.
In recognition of her contributions, Mary was a 2026 finalist for the Pride in Medway Awards and has been featured on BBC RADIO Kent for her impactful work in the community.
