A mum who used her own painful experience of losing her 17-year-old son to suicide in a bid to help others has received an award.

Pat Sowa, from Harrogate, shared the heartbreak left by teenage son's death to raise awareness of the importance of talking about mental health.

Her son Dom was just 17 when he died in October 2017.

He had just started his final year of sixth form, with plans to study English at university.

Pat has shared the devastation left by Dom's suicide in the hope that her story can help others spot the signs that someone might be struggling with their mental health.

She has also helped shape suicide prevention policy in North Yorkshire and has been nominated for a North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (NYSCP) award by colleagues on the NYSCP, who stated: “The NYSCP has been privileged to work alongside Pat who has shared her lived experience to help others.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Pat Sowa and James Parkes at the NYSCP award ceremonyPat Sowa and James Parkes at the NYSCP award ceremony (Image: NYCC)

“Pat has been fundamental - along with other parents with experience - in the redesign of the NYSCP Self Harm and Suicide Prevention Pathway and sat on our local Suicide Prevention Task Group.”

The NYSCP awards celebrate the tireless work of safeguarding professionals, campaigners, charities and medical practitioners in supporting children in the county.

The awards take place twice a year, with the most recent ceremony held at The Hawkhills Hotel near Easingwold.

Others to receive a recent award include Dr Jonathan Grimbley whose role includes child protection for South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which includes the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton and the James Cook University Hospital.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Award winners, from left, Dr Joy Shacklock, David Sharp, Pat Sowa and David WatsonAward winners, from left, Dr Joy Shacklock, David Sharp, Pat Sowa and David Watson (Image: NYCC)

Dr Grimbley was nominated for having “always been a strong advocate for children” and going over and above to put safeguarding procedures in place for children at risk of harm. 

Dr Joy Shacklock, the GP for North Yorkshire GP partners and practices with a role involving child and adult safeguarding was also awarded after being described by her nominators as 'an excellent advocate and ambassador for safeguarding'.

North Yorkshire Together, a partnership of three voluntary sector organisations; Rural Arts, North Yorkshire Youth and North Yorkshire Sport was also recognised for its role in pooled resources to support young people and keep them happy and healthy at home during the Covid pandemic.

The chair of NYSCP, Dr Maggie Atkinson, said: “Every day, people are engaged in challenging and difficult work in keeping children and young people safe.

"It often requires huge amounts of resilience, tenacity and professionalism.

“These awards are to celebrate that contribution, which is vital if our children and young people are to lead safe and happy lives.”

Partnership manager James Parkes added: “These awards offer the opportunity to showcase the amazing work that is happening within our communities."

When life is difficult, Samaritans are available – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

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