Mental health service expands in honour of Charlie Watkins

16th October 2019

‘Chat with Charlie’, an online one-on-one platform which provides confidential support for students, has launched at Writtle University College in Chelmsford following its success at the University of Essex.

The online service runs seven days a week, with students being able to log in and talk to a counsellor between 6pm and 10pm in the evening.

‘Chat with Charlie’ is funded by the Charlie Watkins Foundation, which was set up by Harry Watkins in memory of his twin brother, Essex-born Charlie Watkins. Charlie took his own life in March 2017 at the age of 22.

On the expansion, Harry Watkins said: “We are absolutely thrilled to see Chat with Charlie expand to Writtle University College.

“Helping just one student would have made it all worth it – but to hear it’s helped many more is a phenomenal achievement.

“We’re in conversation with other establishments across the UK about expanding even further. We’re so proud of this legacy we have created for Charlie.”

Chief Executive of Mid and North East Essex Mind, James McQuiggan, said: “We’re ecstatic that Chat with Charlie has been such a success and we are immensely proud to be a part of the team behind it.

“Being away from home for the first time can be particularly daunting for students and we hope this platform can provide some comfort while they are doing their studies.”

Donations to support the Chat with Charlie initiative, delivered by Mid and North East Essex Mind can be made through Essex Community Foundation which manages the Charlie Watkins Foundation.

Jo Macaulay, Head of Communications at ECF said: “We are pleased to work with the Watkins Family and in Charlie’s memory, help young people at a time when they may need extra support.”

To find out more about this service, or if you are a student looking to access the service, please visit: https://mnessexmind.org/how-we-can-help/help-for-adults/counselling/chat-with-charlie/

For more information on the Charlie Watkins Foundation, please visit:
https://www.cwfoundation.co.uk/