Reducing Self-Harm. Restoring Hope. Saving Lives.
Children's-self-harm intervention & suicide prevention
Our A Child’s Voice® Programme achieves a 95% reduction in self-harm & suicidal thoughts—supporting children, families, and schools through early, life-changing intervention. BBC Radio Kent recognised | Pride in Medway Awards Finalists
Featured by the Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership (KSCMP) Safeguarding Education
Regististration 1193469
About Us
Born from Experience. Driven by Purpose
Mary Brockwell – Founder, The Life Matters Charity
Mary Brockwell is the founder of The Life Matters Charity and creator of its early intervention programme, A Child’s Voice®, supporting children and young people at risk of self-harm and suicide.
Her work is shaped by lived experience of trauma, mental health challenges, and systemic barriers. From working in Brixton at age 11 to leaving school at 13 for full-time employment, Mary’s early life was marked by adversity. She experienced domestic abuse, exploitation, and a lack of protective boundaries throughout childhood and into adulthood. She later returned to education, showing determination and resilience. The loss of her brother, Lee, to suicide at 25 continues to drive her mission.
Mary has worked across the NHS, police, social services, charities, and schools, as well as running family businesses and working in domestic abuse services and retail management. This breadth of experience enables her to bridge gaps between services and advocate effectively for children and families.
Her impact has been recognised by BBC Radio Kent (Making a Difference), and she is a finalist for the Pride in Medway Awards 2026.
Mary’s work focuses on early intervention, emotional literacy, and giving children a safe voice. A Child’s Voice® is designed to bridge gaps in support where children may otherwise fall through the system. It is not a crisis service.
As a neurodivergent (AuDHD) leader, she is a strong advocate for trauma-informed care and ensuring no child is left unheard.
Her belief is simple: every life truly matters.
To my beautiful baby brother Lee
(I LOVE YOU)
For You, Above the Clouds
Up in heaven, where the light is soft and wide,
I hope you feel our love reach where you reside.
Though your voice fell quiet far too soon,
Your spirit still rises with every moon.
This charity stands where your footsteps remain,
Turning sorrow into purpose, loss into gain.
From broken hearts, compassion grew,
A living promise inspired by you.
Your life still speaks in the help we give,
In every soul reminded they deserve to live.
Through kindness shared and hands held tight,
Your legacy becomes hope, your memory light.
We carry your name in all that we do,
With love, with courage, with truth.
Rest gently, brother, your story goes on—
In every life touched, you are never gone.
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“Featured on BBC Kent Radio – ‘Making a Real Difference’”
What We Do at The Life Matters
About Us
The Life Matters is a UK charity dedicated to supporting children and young people experiencing emotional distress, including self-harm and suicidal thoughts. We focus on early intervention, while also working with children who are unable to access other services and may be at significant risk.
While we are not a crisis service, we take safeguarding extremely seriously. All concerns are managed in line with our robust safeguarding policy and escalated in accordance with statutory child protection guidance and procedures. Where a child is in crisis or requires specialist intervention, we always signpost and support access to appropriate external services.
Children’s voices are at the heart of everything we do. Through our co-designed A Child’s Voice® programmes, we ensure young people feel heard, valued, and actively involved in shaping their support. Our approach helps build resilience, strengthen emotional wellbeing, and develop safe, sustainable coping strategies.
We work in partnership with families, schools, and professionals to provide a joined-up approach to care—ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and able to find hope.
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Angel Whispers: When Two Worlds Collide – From Darkness to Light
Mary shares her personal journey through trauma, resilience, and healing in Angel Whispers: When Two Worlds Collide – From Darkness to Light.
Written from the heart, the book offers a deeper insight into the experiences that shaped her life and the purpose behind The Life Matters Charity. It is a story of hope, reflection, and transformation—shared with the intention of gently reminding others that even in the darkest moments, change is possible.
If this story resonates with you and you’d like to explore it more deeply, you can find the book here: