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Virginia Low with, from left, mayor Barbara Smith, trust general manager Laurence Higgins and project manager Louise Palmer |
Walk-in centre a tribute from a mother to her son
‘Life-line’ service for vulnerable will be looking for funding
HER son committed suicide 11 years ago, but this week Virginia Low is able to celebrate the launch of a new “lifeline” walk-in centre for the mentally ill in Archway.
Former Islington Green pupil Stuart Low killed himself aged 27, after being unable to get help with a bout of acute depression in 1997.
On Wednesday night Stuart was remembered at the opening of the centre, in Hargrave Park Community School, by Islington mayor Barbara Smith.
The Well-Being Centre will allow people to join a range of activities from cooking to exercises and music from 6.30pm to 10pm, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
After his death Stuart’s mother, former social scientist Virginia Low, vowed that she would campaign for better facilities for people with conditions like schizophrenia and depression.
She set up the Stuart Low Trust which now boasts more than 1,000 supporters from all over London with an office in the Claremont Centre at the Angel, a short walk from her home.
Volunteers provide assistance and advice to people with mental health problems, and the trust organises events, holidays and talks by top psychologists like writer Dorothy Rowe.
Virginia said: “The new centre is an extension of the work we already do. It is important that people have somewhere to go and relax, particularly at weekends.
“But we are only funded for the first six months. We need lots of financial support.”
Looking back to the death of Stuart, Virginia remembered that at the time she had been looking forward to retiring and travelling the world.
“My life changed as a result of the tragedy but I can honestly say that I’ve met wonderful people who have become friends and have transformed my life,” she said. “People with mental health problems live in a very hostile world. The press and public are not warm and welcoming towards them. They’re often shunned by society.”
The trust works like an extended family: “We’re basically a social network where people with problems can relax and be themselves,” said Virginia. “They don’t have to define themselves by their condition.”
• Stuart Low Trust is always looking for help and volunteers: Contact them at 24-27 White Lion Street, N1 9PD or phone: 020 7713 9304. |
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