We are Lucianne and Antony Fitzgerald, the founders of Salisbury’s Mental Health Awareness Gala and the Safe Haven Mental Health Project — a passionate, non-profit initiative born from both personal experience and a deep desire to make a difference in our community.

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We were heartbroken knowing a growing number of our friends and their children struggle silently with mental health issues, some tragically losing their lives to suicide. Feeling compelled to take action, in 2021 we hosted the first-ever Salisbury Mental Health Awareness Gala. What began as a heartfelt response to an urgent need quickly grew into something much bigger.

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Now held annually, the gala has become a powerful and unifying event in our city, attracting people from all over the country. Over the past four years we’ve raised over £38,000, with all proceeds donated to various mental health charities that are working tirelessly to support individuals in crisis.

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In 2024, inspired by the impact of the gala and driven by a vision to do even more, we launched the Safe Haven Mental Health Project. Our mission is to provide direct support and fundraising for local organisations helping those battling mental health challenges through mental wellbeing sessions, access to therapy, counselling, and by helping people find the right services and guidance they need. We aim to become a registered charity by early 2026, expanding our reach and ability to serve those who need it most.

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At the core of everything we do is a simple belief: no one should ever feel alone in their struggle. Through Safe Haven and our continued fundraising efforts, we are committed to being a lifeline — a safe, supportive, and compassionate presence in the lives of those who need it.

 

Together, we can break the stigma, open up conversations, and most importantly, heal.