Hartlepool woman 'stunned' at MBE for work saving lives through suicide prevention with Seaham-based housing group

Jayne Adamson, who works for Believe Housing based in Seaham, was awarded the prestigious accolade for services to housing and suicide prevention.

She has led a 17-strong team within the housing association that volunteered to help people struggling with mental health concerns during the pandemic, alongside their regular day jobs.

Believe Housing’s Suicide Support Network provides support and advice to people with suicidal thoughts who are often worried about being able to pay their rent, feeling frightened or isolated.

Jayne, 48, said: “It’s a massive honour to receive an MBE, but it is very much a team effort. Everyone who has taken part should be recognised.

“Never in my lifetime would I have thought I’d receive an MBE, I just can’t get my head around it. When I got the email telling me, I couldn’t believe it was real.

During the pandemic, the number of people contacting the network has increased significantly from 43 last year to 33 in the first quarter of this year alone.

Jayne, who is also Believe Housing’s Tenancy Sustainment Manager and corporate lead on safeguarding, added: “We’re here to listen to anyone with concerns about their wellbeing.

“Some of the customers we’ve spoken to have been quite open in saying that they don’t think they’d still be here without the support they received from us.

"To have such a positive impact on people’s lives is more important than any formal recognition.”

Other organisations, including Durham County Council, are keen to learn more about the work of the suicide prevention team and implement similar processes to protect their own vulnerable customers.

Nik Turner, Believe Housing Executive Director of Communities and Customer Service, said: “Jayne really has been a key part of saving lives with the work she leads.

“She fully deserves to receive this honour and we are very proud that she is being recognised at this level.

A long-serving magistrate who worked in Hartlepool for 30 years has been awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal) in the awards.

Sandra Mason, 59, was given the honour for services to the community in South Hetton, County Durham, where she lives.

Read more: Hartlepool shows its love for brave little boy fighting cancer

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