The first thing you notice as you approach The Martin Gallier Project is a large blue-sky mural above the office windows. It depicts a bright, clear day with a cloud formation shaped into a loving heart. The mural acts as both a beacon of hope and as a signal to all those passing - you’re welcome here.
So, what is The Martin Gallier Project? Simply put, The Martin Gallier Project saves lives.
The project was named after Martin Gallier who was just 55 when he died by suicide in February 2017. Martin’s tragic death prompted his daughter, Jessica Gallier to found a charity in his name which has helped tens of thousands of people in times of crisis.
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The charity specialises as a suicide prevention service and to date, 23,000 people have walked through their doors. They also work to reduce the stigma around suicide by raising awareness and offering support to people who need it. Additionally, the support also extends to people bereaved by suicide.
It’s barely possible to imagine the human cost if places like The Martin Gallier Project didn’t exist.
The offices for The Martin Gallier Project are in a part of New Chester Road where murals are not uncommon, and which brighten up an area struggling with issues of deprivation. The murals indicate the resilience of the local community and bring focus to an important truth - people care about this place and want the best for it.
This was how the project was able to create a base of operations in 2019 - taking on a lease with a relatively low rent but with a requirement to renovate the building. Within a week they’d cobbled together some plasterboard, paint and other building materials and set about creating office space and consultation rooms.
They were able to do this solely because the community rallied around and offered their full support. They raised funds, offered their trade expertise, did odd jobs, and filled in wherever and whenever they could.
Within two weeks The Martin Gallier Project opened its doors and within the first few hours, it was clear just how much this little hub of hope was needed by people from all over Merseyside. Sadly, the demand for their services has only increased over the last few years.
Jess is under no illusions as to why the project is so desperately needed and she has the personal experience to back that up after the tragic death of her own father.
Lifelong Liverpool fan Martin was described by Jess as lovably eccentric and a bit of a joker with a great sense of humour. Jess says it’s important for people to know this because people at risk of taking their own life can present in many different ways and it’s not always obvious when someone is suffering.
Like so many people who are struggling with their mental health, Martin was "suffering in silence" and therefore, his pain was not readily apparent to those outside of his family. It was a set of circumstances which ultimately led to him taking his own life.
Jessica said: "From the outside you probably thought here he is, Martin Gallier - funny guy. But it was only really us as a family who knew that it was all a bit of a show really.
“Every time we save a life or save someone from suicide, it helps me probably as much as it helps them because it takes a little bit of that pain away from losing my dad.
“I always say that setting this charity up saved my life in a way and gave me the purpose I needed to try and prevent this from ever happening to other families”.
Jessica set the charity up while still mourning the death of her father, and having just become a mum. Like many people bereaved by suicide, she wanted to know why this had happened and what could be done to prevent it from ever happening again. The resolve, bravery, and commitment she has shown in the face of such tragic circumstances and in confronting such an important issue, is truly awe-inspiring.
During a year-long inquest into her father’s death, Jessica was shocked at how little support her father received and how many times he’d been failed by mental health services struggling under the strain of under-investment and increasingly unmanageable demand.
This shock and frustration became the impetus for Jessica to start something which could add real value to mental health provision in Merseyside and a service which would be available to all.
The idea was to create a non-clinical and welcoming environment that would act as a hub and point of access for people in crisis. After designing and developing a programme of services the fundamental offer was to provide simplified and practical tools for people to stay alive and it has had a huge impact.
It's instructive to consider the experiences of the people who work there and the stories of the people whose lives have been saved by them.
A lot of the professionals at The Martin Gallier project have lost someone to suicide. It’s by no means a requirement to start work there but, it’s not hard to imagine why these people were chosen for their roles. The passion, care and love they show for their clients is something which is immediately apparent.
When you walk through the doors you step into what appears to be a living room and you're welcomed by Em who offers a friendly and disarming smile and an invitation to come in and talk. This is all natural and easy-going, but there is also a key logic at play.
The project is the antithesis to a clinical environment and encourages a homely atmosphere where people can be at ease. It’s a space which has welcomed tens of thousands of desperate people looking for help.
It is not uncommon for the professionals at The Martin Gallier Project to see their clients out and about with their families shopping, dining in cafes or walking in the park. There may be a knowing glance as someone whose life was saved nods in appreciation. There may be nothing at all because the service is entirely confidential. Often, the support workers are approached and embraced by family members and friends of the individuals who have accessed their services. Why? Because they know their loved ones are there because of the help they gave them.
The gratitude is overwhelming to see and it’s impossible not become emotionally impacted by the heartfelt thank yous from people who had benefited from The Martin Gallier Project. Two in particular drew our attention on the day. The first was simply and powerfully put.
“I held my granddaughter this morning. If I hadn’t spoken to someone, I would have missed that.”
The other, a bit longer, is equally impactful:
“The difference between being here and enjoying friends, and leaving unhappy and sad family behind, is just talking to Jess at the right time. Thank you”.
As a visitor to the centre, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the stories and become saddened at the realities of other people’s lives. However, it’s also unsettling because it’s clear suicide, thoughts of suicide or knowing someone affected by suicide is all too common. Suicide does not discriminate and can touch the lives of everyone regardless of their personal situation.
That’s why The Martin Gallier Project is a space of inclusivity because they never want someone to feel unwelcome. The stakes are too high. One failed intervention can mean the difference between life and death. It is a responsibility they take seriously and are not willing to compromise on their vision. One can only wonder how they get through each day without breaking down themselves:
“We do have our wobbles”, says Jess.
“We lean on each other. we’ve all experienced loss due to suicide and we have strategies to support each other because it can be very emotional at times. All the time really.
“Everyone chips in, and everyone’s contribution is invaluable. Just as well, because everyone is needed.”
As we speak to Jess, Em is on reception speaking on the phone and you can hear them reassuring someone and letting them know they can help them. Support workers rush from room to room to start phone calls or take appointments with people needing support. Emails, texts, social media messages flood in. The demand for their services does not appear to be diminishing. 23,000 people and counting and Jess is already thinking toward 24, 25 and 26,000.
Jess said: “Suicide is not inevitable. It is preventable and that is what we try to do each day”.
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week 2023. It is a good time to consider the challenges we face in addressing the mental health crisis and an opportunity to celebrate the work of projects like The Martin Gallier Project.
For them, it is one of many avenues to raise awareness and support, but for them and charities like them, they are never unaware of the stark challenges we face when it comes to providing effective resource and support to mental health services.
However, Jess and her team are up to the task and will continue to do what they do best - save lives and save futures. Just ask the 23,000 people who’ve walked through their doors.
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