A £45,000 commitment to young people's mental health has been announced in memory of a local woman whose compassion touched many lives.
'Become a Journey' has launched with a three-year pledge that will fund specialist support at King James’s School.
The new initiative is inspired by Becki Ashton-Jones and founded by her husband David and parents Steve and Anne Jones.
David said his late wife, Becki, was a “quiet force of compassion”, especially when it came to young people, particularly those navigating anxiety, loss, low confidence and fractured relationships.
He said:
“She believed deeply in the power of connection, safe spaces, and simply being present with someone, trusting in them until they could believe in themselves."
Shaped by those values, Become a Journey has launched with a three-year initiative after responding directly to King James’s School’s request for support.
The organisation will provide £15,000 per year over three consecutive years to fund the placement of qualified mental health professionals from Well Connections at the school.
The practitioner will be based at the school for two days per week working closely with the school to ensure young people can access the right support when they need it.
Become a journey was created to continue Becki’s journey carrying forward her compassion, her belief in care and connection, and her instinct to respond where people need support most.
While the organisation’s work will develop over time, her family says this first initiative reflects both Becki’s strong concern for young people and a direct response to the needs expressed by the school.
David said:
“When King James’s School publicly shared the challenges they were facing in supporting young people, it felt important to respond. Becki cared deeply about young people and believed in the power of connection and presence.
"After speaking with Steve and Anne, we couldn’t think of a more worthy initiative with which to launch Become a Journey, one that reflects her values and makes a real difference to young people.”
Cathryn Sutherland, Attendance Champion at King James’s School, said:
“This support comes at a crucial time for our school. Even though we benefit from valuable support through services such as Wellbeing in Mind, CAMHS and other excellent provisions, further support remained essential to fully support our students needs.
"The partnership with Become a Journey allows us to strengthen the support available to our young people in a meaningful and sustainable way, and we are extremely grateful for their commitment.”
The partnership will include appropriate impact reporting focused on the number of young people supported and the general categories of need addressed, ensuring transparency while protecting confidentiality.
Harrogate Ladies College unveils branding for new Duchy College
Harrogate couple who met at school to celebrate 63rd Valentine's Day
Knaresborough primary school's sponsored walk raises £1,300 for charity
Knaresborough brewery owners to sell after nine years
Yorkshire participants need for Channel 4's The Dog House
Multiple arrests made as police intensify patrols in Harrogate
Police appeal after man hit by bus in Harrogate
New outpatient therapy unit opens at Harrogate Hospital
Love is in the air for Harrogate hospitality
Harrogate law firm supports cancer centre in memory of late colleague
Harrogate's Over & Above ranked among UK's top cocktail bars
Harrogate pupil's pyjama day raises over £1,100 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance
£8,000 donation to fund nurse training at Harrogate Hospital charity
Number Thirteen café up for sale after eight years
Harrogate crowned the UK's most relaxing town
Lightwater Valley gives sneak peek at new rollercoaster
Harrogate chef appears on BBC's Masterchef
Harrogate restaurant recognised at Nation's Curry Awards
Ripon runners to compete at national cross country championships
Ripon teen completes cadet training and eyes career in police
