Some of Hector’s House’s most Notable Moments of 2024

2024 was a BUSY year for Hector’s House.💚We have loved it! Here are some of our most notable moments from 2024…

Hector’s House was chosen as The Masked Singer Charity Partner

The Hector’s House team were delighted to be chosen as one of the Charities of the Year for Prime-Time ITV show The Masked Singer! 👨‍🎤🎤🎙️

“We were blown away to be one of the chosen charities by The Masked Singer, It was a real ‘pinch-me’ moment when we got the call. Since setting up Hector’s House in memory of our son Hector in 2016, we cannot tell the local community how grateful we are for their support. And this partnership is a direct result of their unwavering love for our small charity. When we lost Hector to suicide when he was just 18, our world was shattered. We set up Hector’s House as a suicide prevention charity in his name, because we want to ensure nobody felt alone in their moments of need – nor do we want any other family going through the pain we experienced. This partnership with The Masked Singer is a fantastic opportunity for us to reach even more people in need of support, to tell them it’s OK to need help with their mental health and so they know they can text HECTOR to 85258 or get in touch with our small team on hihector@hectorshouse.org.uk. It means a great deal to us to know even one person might be saved thanks to this amazing partnership – we cannot thank The Masked Singer enough!” – Robert Stringer, Chairperson and Hector’s father.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Hector’s House for an electrifying adventure on the latest series of The Masked Singer. Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster of surprises and jaw-dropping performances that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Plus, by joining forces with Hector’s House we’re hoping to make a positive impact on young people and adults as our loyal fans connect with all the great work they do. This series is not just a show, it’s a thrilling journey for the whole family!” – Niall Carmichael-Johns, Bandicoot Commercial Affairs Producer

Hector’s House was named as Tring Brewery’s Charity of Choice 2024

The Hector’s House team are so proud to have partnered with the incredible local business Tring Brewery as their Charity of Choice for 2024! 🍺

It meant that each month, when the brewery sent out casks of its monthly specials to pubs in the local area, some of the proceeds from these were sent to Hector’s House, to continue the work we do. It was was a way for Hector’s House to reach a much wider audience.

Tring Brewery have long been supporters of what we do. Not only is there the geographical connection, but also a deep personal one. Members of the brewery team went to school with Hector, and his legacy is of deep importance to them. Sam Reed, was a close personal friend of Hector, and is the production manager at the brewery. 💖

“Hector and I were best friends growing up, we were practically joined at the hip for huge parts of our childhood, I feel incredibly privileged that I have a huge number of great memories of us two together. It was therefore a huge shock when he took his own life in 2011. Ever since Hectors family set Hector’s House up in his honour, I have always tried to support and help them where I can. Back when the charity was started, I had just finished a design degree, so using my illustration skills, I helped design and digitise the logo that is used across their advertising of the charity to this day. Those skills are a little behind me now, but I am proud that I could help at the time and that the logo still flies the flag of the great work Hector’s House promote…

(Image to the left Sam and Hector in 2002 / Imagine below Sam and Hector in 2010)

…I started working at Tring Brewery as my first part-time after school job, where I washed casks back in our old site on Akeman Street. I have been lucky enough to develop and extend my role at the brewery to my now current position of Production Manager. At Tring Brewery, we always try and put our yearly fundraising efforts into the local community, so when we looked at which charity we wanted to support in 2024, I strongly suggested that Hector’s House was a perfect choice to put our efforts behind, and everyone else at the brewery, as well as the team at Hectors House all agreed it would be great fit.” – Sam

It should go without saying that this campaign was by no means looking to promote the idea that drinking alcohol is a healthy way of dealing with mental health struggles, or stress of any kind.💚

Tring Summer Carnival & Parade 2024

We secured a float and a fantastic plot on Pound Meadow at the Tring Summer Carnival and Parade. The day was spent dancing, singing, waving, maracas, tambourines and enough energy to power the town – it was of the utmost importance to us that this was a celebration of life. 🚗⭐

Not only hoping to inspire joy in those that saw us, but also to physically convey our openness and warmth. So that in the future if anybody should need us, they’ll think of us as the approachable and optimistic group we are. We also had people approach us and make donations, people stopping to ask questions about what we do, and then to share their own experiences. Talking face to face with people is always an incredibly humbling experience. Hearing their stories, struggles, and wins helps remind us why we’re here. Not just for Hector’s legacy and to honour who he was, but to help as many people as we can to move forward. Whether they have been affected by the suicide of a loved one, or are struggling with their own mental health, we are here to help give people the tools they need to lead a life where they’re happy and fulfilled.😆🤗

We grew a Mo this Movember for Hector’s House!

In Movember, we were excited to get behind them and launch a split fundraising campaign. We took a journey through growing questionable facial hair. Thank you to everyone who joined us and everyone who donated.💚🧔