Congratulations to Yasmin Geddis from Coleraine who has been recognised with the Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award. The award recognises outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making a change in their community.
Yasmin Geddis, is the founder of the Zachary Geddis Break the Silence Trust which has set up a 24/7 helpline during the pandemic and webinars to help those with mental health difficulties in Northern Ireland.
Yasmin set up the charity in October 2017 in honour of her brother Zachary, who took his own life that year at the age of 20 whilst studying for a degree in Fashion Illustration at University of the Arts London. Yasmin wanted to create a lasting legacy of mental health support for young people in Northern Ireland and decrease the stigma around suicide. Since its establishment, the charity has tirelessly supported young people across Northern Ireland through counselling, mentoring, advocacy, legal advice, crisis intervention, and workshops, all provided free of charge.
In a personal letter to Yasmin, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Every day I take a moment to say thank you to someone in the UK for their service to others by recognising them as a Point of Light in our lives. Today I would like to thank you for the support and care you give to others when they are facing dark times.
“Your 24/7 crisis support is not just a helpline, but a lifeline to many. In helping others, and tackling stigma around suicide and mental health difficulties, you have created a lasting tribute to your brother, Zachary. I am truly lost in admiration of your strength.”
Yasmin said:
“I am honoured to be receiving the Points of Light Award for my work with the ‘Zachary Geddis Break the Silence Trust’. Awards are an amazing lift for the trust, our mission and Zachary’s story. ‘The Zachary Geddis Break the Silence Trust’ is forever grateful to our supporters and our volunteers that allow us to support vulnerable members of the community.”