Taking place on 18 September, the Break the Silence Ball will be the biggest charity event Chloe-leigh Cousins has organised so far, writes volunteer community journalist Mona Schulze.
The 22-year-old from Ferryhill wants to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention: “I lost my best friend last year in March to suicide,” she said. “So since then, I’ve just made it my aim to raise as much money and recognition as possible.”
In the past, the 22-year-old has hosted several smaller charity events and raised significant amounts for good causes. In September she will take her efforts to the next level. Held at Redworth Hall Hotel, the Break the Silence Ball will raise awareness of the impact suicide has on victims, families and friends.
All revenues will go to If U Care Share Foundation, a local support service for people affected by suicide and mental health struggles.
Break the Silence, the event’s name was chosen carefully. Chloe-leigh believes one of the biggest problems surrounding suicide and mental health is that many people suffer quietly without asking for help.
“They don’t talk about it enough – they need to speak up and break the silence,” she said.
In her understanding, the silence of the people suffering is one of the reasons tragedies linked to mental health are seen so often.
What visitors can expect
Chloe-leigh said she wants the event to feel special. That’s why the dress code for the evening is “Dress to impress”. The venue will reflect this theme, with the historic walls of Redworth Hall Hotel providing space for up to 180 guests.
Alongside information and guidance, the evening will also offer plenty of entertainment. Guests can enjoy a four-course meal, games, raffles and performances from well-known Northeast drag acts.
How one woman is driving change
Three months after she had lost her best friend to suicide, Chloe-leigh launched her first fundraiser. In July last year she organised a pub crawl and raised around £1,200. Since then, more events have followed.
Driven by passion, she continues to organise everything largely on her own: “My partner Alex and my mum help support me, but other than that, it’s pretty much me,” she said.
The young woman is balancing her fundraising work alongside her job. When asked how she manages to do all of that, she responded: “It does take a lot of time, but it’s something I really care about, so I make time for it.”
Chloe-leigh describes herself as impatient when it comes to new ideas for her passion project. She organised the upcoming ball within just one month. Although she says advertising remains one of the biggest challenges since now the Break the Silence Ball is only being promoted via Facebook.
Aim of the ball
The host said her main goal is to make people feel heard while encouraging them to speak openly about mental health.
“I just hope that people see it and that they know that they’re not alone; there are people out there that care and want to help.”
She also hopes the event will highlight that support is available not only for families, but also for friends, who are often affected just as deeply.
“I want it to be for everybody,” she said.
According to her, ticket sales have been slower than expected so far. The event requires a minimum of 80 guests to go ahead, which she would be very happy to achieve. Tickets are available at Servace Events.
Mona Schulze
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
