Teenager starts lockdown business to combat loneliness in Hemel Hempstead and beyond

The 18-year-old is also raising money for a mental health charity
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A teenager has been selling hand-embroidered hearts to help combat loneliness during the pandemic and raise money for a mental health charity.

Abigail Brooke, 18, who is staying with her grandmother in Hemel Hempstead, is donating the money from the hearts to Papyrus UK, the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.

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Customers can order a heart for someone, with a personalised message, as a way of connecting with loved ones during the pandemic.

Customers can order a heart for someone as a way of connecting with loved ones during the pandemicCustomers can order a heart for someone as a way of connecting with loved ones during the pandemic
Customers can order a heart for someone as a way of connecting with loved ones during the pandemic

Abigail said: "I was making them for my friends, I'm quite creative and I enjoyed making them, I've always liked sending little things in the post.

"I thought it would be nice for people to receive them in the post, it's a difficult time for everyone at the moment and I thought it would be nice if people received something nice

"I’ve had a few orders from people who are sending it to their elderly relatives who are self-isolating to remind them that they miss them and are thinking of them."

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The 18-year-old decided to use her creations to also raise money for a mental health charity.

Abi has been selling hand-embroidered hearts to help combat loneliness during the pandemicAbi has been selling hand-embroidered hearts to help combat loneliness during the pandemic
Abi has been selling hand-embroidered hearts to help combat loneliness during the pandemic

Abigail added: "I decided to pick Papyrus UK which works to prevent young suicide, as its helpline 'hopeline' does amazing work, but also to raise awareness among my peers that there is help accessible if they need it.

"The hearts help people feel less alone, and also raises money for Papyrus.

"They can be bought through my Instagram page, or by emailing me, I've created a form for people to place their orders.

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"The response to the hearts has been great, people love sending them and receiving them.

Teenager starts lockdown business to combat loneliness in Hemel Hempstead and beyondTeenager starts lockdown business to combat loneliness in Hemel Hempstead and beyond
Teenager starts lockdown business to combat loneliness in Hemel Hempstead and beyond

"I chose a heart as it's a nice symbol, and it also can be kept for a long time."

Papyrus UK wants to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by shattering the stigma around suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour. For more about the charity click here.

To support Abigail and help raise money for Papyrus UK, you can follow her on Instagram or order a heart through this order form.