A unique badge has been created in memory of Heather Porter, a former Girl Guide who tragically took her own life earlier this year. The badge, known as the Twinkle for Heather challenge badge, has been designed to raise awareness about mental health and foster open discussions among young people.
In response to the devastating loss of Heather, the guiding community felt a strong urge to pay tribute to her and address the urgent issue of suicide prevention. Thus, the concept of the badge was born, incorporating a range of activities aimed at promoting strategies for preventing suicide.
To bring this idea to fruition, guides and young leaders from different parts of Cumbria congregated at a village hall in south Cumbria. Throughout the session, they actively engaged in various activities that would be included in the special badge.
By creating the Twinkle for Heather challenge badge, the Girl Guides hope to initiate important conversations surrounding mental health and suicide prevention. This badge serves as a symbol of remembrance for Heather and a rallying call for young people to be proactive in addressing mental health issues.
To stay informed about the latest news from BBC North East & Cumbria, you can follow their X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram accounts. Additionally, the BBC encourages individuals to share their story ideas by reaching out to them at northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.
The Twinkle for Heather challenge badge represents a significant step in raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention among young people. By providing a platform for open conversations and offering practical activities, the Girl Guides aim to empower young individuals to make a difference in their communities.
The initiative not only commemorates the life of Heather Porter but also strives to prevent further tragedies by equipping young people with knowledge and resources to identify warning signs and support those in need. Through their collective efforts, the Girl Guides of Cumbria hope to create a more compassionate and understanding society when it comes to mental health.