A suicide prevention charity which recently topped its fundraising target has been busy hosting events so they can continue their work.

The OLLIE Foundation, which has worked with the Herts Advertiser on our Something to Talk About... campaign, was set up earlier this year to fund specialist suicide prevention training in St Albans schools.

OLLIE became a registered charity in August and soon after hit their £30,000 target to fund the training.

Following this landmark achievement the charity organised a theatre trip to London and a treasure hunt around the district recently to add to the funds.

On September 9 £1,400 was raised when two coaches of 140 theatre-goers took to London to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with £10 from every ticket going directly to the charity.

Kate Barron, who organised the day, said: “It was a wonderful event which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.”

The following Sunday families took part in a treasure hunt across St Albans and raised a further £1,000.

St Albans Mayor Cllr Frances Leonard said: “Teenagers taking their own lives is unfortunately on the increase. Events such as this fantastic interactive treasure hunt around St Albans will help raise money for the charity to deliver this much-needed service.

“Everyone looked as though they enjoyed themselves and I was glad to lend my support to the OLLIE Foundation by presenting prizes at the event.”

The OLLIE Foundation will be running its first SAFEtalk training session on October 1.

Wendy Henrys, one of OLLIE’s trainers, said: “The course will help people to spot the signs of suicidal thoughts so they can raise their concerns with someone who has been trained to safely intervene.”

For more information click here.