Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Oak Hill Crematorium donate £12,500 to the OLLIE Foundation
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Oak Hill have donated £12,500 to the OLLIE Foundation, a charity that does vital work to prevent suicide through education, intervention, and community support.
The donation was made possible thanks to the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) metals recycling scheme, which allows crematoriums to recycle metals left over from the cremation process, such as surgical implants and coffin fittings, with the consent of the bereaved families.
The metals are collected and shipped to the Netherlands, where they are sorted, weighed, and valued. The ICCM then distributes the funds to the participating crematoriums, who can choose a local good cause to support.
The OLLIE Foundation ensure that more people have the knowledge and confidence to support young people in crisis, who feel that suicide is their only option. Through educational programs, workshops, and resources, the foundation empowers individuals, schools and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to support those who may be struggling.
Cllr Jane Quinton, Deputy Leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Executive Member for Leisure and Community said:
We are proud to support the OLLIE Foundation with this donation, made possible through the ICCM metals recycling scheme. Through their work, more people will have the knowledge and tools to support young people in crisis.
Chris Sibley, one of the three founders of the OLLIE Foundation, said:
We are incredibly grateful to WHBC and Oak Hill Crematorium for this generous donation. It will help us continue delivering vital training, resources, and support to individuals, schools, and communities, empowering more people to have life-saving conversations.