From Receiving Support to Giving Back – A Story That Reminds Us Why We Do What We Do 💙

As The Matthew Hackney Foundation celebrates 15 years of supporting children's mental health, one of our wonderful volunteers has shared a story that means so much to us.

Sometimes, when you're busy fundraising, applying for grants and trying to make sure the charity can continue supporting as many children as possible, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day challenges.

Then someone shares something that reminds you exactly why it all matters.

Recently, one of our lovely volunteers and supporters, Ellie, wrote a heartfelt Facebook post about what The Matthew Hackney Foundation means to her.

Her opening words really touched us:

"Some charities are close to your heart. This one is part of my story."

From receiving support to giving back

As a teenager and young adult, Ellie received counselling through The Matthew Hackney Foundation, support that she feels may not otherwise have been accessible to her.

Some of her closest friends also received support through the charity.

Today, Ellie is an adult, working in a pre-school and generously giving her time to support the very charity that once helped her.

Through her work with young children, she now sees first-hand just how important early intervention can be, even from the age of three.

As Ellie so beautifully said:

"Every child deserves to feel heard, supported and understood, before their struggles become overwhelming."

Why early intervention matters

At The Matthew Hackney Foundation, we've always believed that children shouldn't have to reach crisis point before they receive help.

Sometimes a child simply needs someone to listen. Someone they can trust. Somewhere they can talk openly about their feelings without fear of judgement.

Our counselling and early intervention workshops aim to help children understand their emotions, build confidence, develop resilience and find ways to cope with the challenges they face.

We see the difference this support can make every day, but hearing from someone who received our help years ago brings home just how lasting that difference can be.

Ellie's story is particularly special because she has come full circle, from receiving support herself to helping us support the next generation.

And that means more to us than she probably realises.

15 years of making a difference

This November, The Matthew Hackney Foundation celebrates its 15th anniversary.

Over those years, we've supported hundreds of local children and young people through difficult times, helping them feel heard, understood and less alone.

But the need for children's mental health support continues to grow, and securing the funding to keep our services running is an ongoing challenge.

We are incredibly fortunate to have wonderful volunteers, supporters, schools, counsellors and local businesses who believe in what we do.

Without them, we simply couldn't continue.

Help us make a difference to the next generation

On Saturday 14 November 2026, we will be celebrating our 15th anniversary at our Crystal Ball at Woodlands Park Hotel.

It's a chance to bring our supporters together, celebrate everything that has been achieved and, most importantly, raise vital funds to help us continue providing mental health support to local children.

We're currently looking for businesses and individuals who might be able to donate raffle prizes, auction experiences, vouchers, meals, overnight stays or anything else that could help us raise funds on the night.

If you can help, however big or small, we would be enormously grateful.

Please contact Hollie at hollswilliams@icloud.com or email info@thematthewhackneyfoundation.com.

A special thank you to Ellie 💙

Ellie, thank you for sharing your story so openly, for continuing to support the Foundation and for reminding us of something incredibly important.

The true impact of helping a child isn't always measured in the weeks or months after counselling. Sometimes, it's seen years later, in the person they become.

And that is why we will keep doing everything we can to ensure more children have access to the support they deserve.

The Matthew Hackney Foundation – 15 Years of Hope, Healing and Brighter Futures.