'Ray's Corner' - family pay tribute to father who took his own life by setting up special area of Washington Mind to support others

Ray Bradford 55, took his own life in February 2020 after struggling to cope with anxiety around his health, and feeling like he couldn’t talk to others about his problems.

Ray’s wife Deborah and his two daughters Rachel and Nicole were left shocked and devastated by the suicide and wanted to make sure no one ever had to go through the same pain as them.

Working with Washington Mind, the family set up ‘Ray’s Corner’, a safe space where people can access support and information for themselves or for someone they know, using Ray’s name to encourage suicide prevention.

Ray’s family said rather than him just be another statistic, they wanted to make sure Ray’s name lived on to help and support others – the team at Washington Mind were keen to support them.

Jacqui Reeves, chief executive at Washington Mind said: “Ray was a close, loving family man and he had many friends and family around him. He felt unable to talk about the true extent of his feelings and as these feelings built up over time Ray ended his life and his suicide was a great shock to all who loved him.

“Ray’s corner has been set up in memory of Ray. For those who knew him – for his name to be linked closely with suicide prevention and to help get the message across that men need to hear. That reaching out is not weak – but is a sign of strength.

“Washington Mind is grateful to Deb, Rachel and Nicole for allowing us to be a part of their story – for supporting us in making a difference.”

Washington Mind has been delivering mental health and wellbeing support in the area since 1981 with the mission of working in partnership with the community to promote recovery and improve mental health and wellbeing.

If you are worried about someone or struggling yourself please visit https://wellbeinginfo.org/self-help/mental-health/crisis/

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