Nai’s House support people who have suicidal thoughts and poor mental health
In November 2024 we met up with Gem Barrett the founder of Nai’s House.
If you haven’t heard of Nai’s House before let us give you a touch more info. Gem founded Nai’s House in remembrance of her daughter Dené.
Dené's (Nai) was a passionate helper of others and was training to become a psychologist. Dené's was someone who struggled with her mental health from a young age. She was referred to statutory mental health services in 2016 however felt their method of support did not help her. Dené's was diagnosed with having a personality disorder and was assessed as a medium to high risk of suicide. In November 2016 Dené's was discharged from mental health services she was referred to, and told she should self-refer to receive any further help.
Sadly, Dené's ended the battle and the war that raged in her head on a daily basis and took her own life on the 21st of February 2017. Dené's was a mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend. Nai’s House has been setup to help those who are struggling with mental health conditions and suicidal thoughts, and all the people Dené’s would have no doubt gone on to help.
Meet the founder of Nai’s House
Gem Barrett who is Dené's mum has founded Nai’s House.
She has many years’ experience working with youth people in the public and charity sector. Gem is motivated by both her personal and professional experiences working with vulnerable people.
Gem runs the day-to-day operations of Nai’s House and are aiming to help reduce suicide and self-harm in people under the age of 30. Nai’s House will do this by providing support to people who have mental health conditions offering lifesaving skills and strategies they can use in the short and long term.
Visit the Nai’s House website linked below to learn more about the services they offer.
Nai's House was recently awarded a charity and community award from Cherwell District Council being recognised for their dedication in helping people with suicidal thoughts. Here is Gem collecting the award.
If you know of anyone who has suicidal thoughts then get in touch with Nai’s House they can support you.