Mental health struggles don’t follow a schedule. Neither does loneliness.
When everything shuts down at night, where do people go when they feel overwhelmed, scared, or hopeless? Right now, in Burnham-on-Crouch and across the Dengie 100, the answer is nowhere. That silence is costing lives.

More and more young people are taking their own lives. I’ve already lost friends in this area. A young man in Burnham recently ended his life because he felt there was nowhere safe to turn to. He is not the only one. And unless something changes, he won’t be the last.

We urgently need a safe, late-night, alcohol-free space where people of all ages can go when they feel they have no one. A place that’s open every night, offering warmth, connection, and the simple comfort of human presence. No judgment. No pressure. No cost. Just somewhere to sit, have a tea or water, and not feel alone.

This isn’t just an idea. It is a necessity.

Suicide is the leading cause of death among people under 35 in the UK, with around five young people dying by suicide every day.
For young adults aged 16–30, more than 1 in 10 report having attempted suicide, and around a third have had suicidal thoughts.
Loneliness doubles the risk of suicide in older men, and nearly 40% of older adults living alone report feeling lonely regularly.
People struggling with alcohol or sobriety are up to 8 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population.
Suicide rates are up to 42% higher in small, rural, and socially isolated areas just like ours.

People struggling with mental health or fighting to stay sober often face their hardest hours at night. When the streets go quiet and everything closes, they are left with nowhere to go. Right now their only options are the pub or their thoughts. We must offer something better.

This would not need nurses or professionals. Just a space and kind-hearted people. Many in our community, including myself, are willing to volunteer, donate tea and snacks, and give our time to make this happen. All we need now is a venue and the support to get started.

If you believe we should act before we lose more lives, please sign and share this petition. Help us show our councillors, our MP, and our community leaders that this is desperately needed. We are ready to help. We just need someone to open the door.

Let’s build a space where no one has to face the night alone.
Two minutes of your time could help save someone’s life