The Craig Tyler Trust
1839. Karen Pullen
Karen Pullen, from Essex, founded ‘The Craig Tyler Trust’ in memory of her 22-year-old son, who sadly took his own life in 2018, to raise awareness of suicide prevention services and create a stronger community of people who can recognise when someone is struggling with mental ill health.
Craig died after a long struggle with mental ill health, and Karen was determined to build a positive legacy in tribute to him, supporting other families who have been bereaved through suicide and helping people better identify the signs of someone experiencing mental ill health. The trust currently supports people in Basildon, Billericay and Wickford through their social media presence, drop in centres and outreach services, working closely with organisations such as Essex Police, Basildon Council and St John’s Ambulance. Karen has recently secured funding through the National Lottery Community Fund for establishing a mobile mental health peer support unit, which will be situated outside local shops, train stations and public spaces, making mental health support more visible and accessible for anyone in Essex who needs it.
In a personal letter to Karen, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I was very sorry to learn about the death of your son, Craig, and I am lost in admiration for the legacy you have created in his memory.
“You have shown remarkable strength in supporting others who may be contemplating taking their own life. Your 24/7 crisis support has been a helpline, and a lifeline, to people across Essex.
“I was particularly inspired to hear of the mobile support you provide through mental health buses, bringing help to people when and where they need it.”
Karen said:
“I am truly honoured to be recognised for the work that myself and everyone else at ‘The Craig Tyler Trust’ does. To support so many in order to prevent more death by suicide is so rewarding. These amazing people fight everyday to keep themselves safe. They are the ones who deserve an award. Being bereaved by suicide is a real tough road to walk so to teach the tools to enable that journey to be continued with the least amount of pain is something so special to me. It’s something I promised Craig, when he died by his own hand, that I would do everything I could to help others.”