💙 A Community’s Touching Tribute 💙
When everyone’s favourite Ammanford lad, 27-year-old Jac Lewis, tragically passed away in 2019, his family and friends turned their sorrow into a beacon of hope. Determined to honour Jac’s memory and support others struggling with mental health, they established the Jac Lewis Foundation.
Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, the Foundation’s impact is felt more than ever! Prince William himself visited the new mental health hub in Cardiff, funded by The Royal Foundation. This second hub, joining the one at Swansea City Stadium, will offer life-changing support to countless individuals facing mental health challenges, with a focus on helping men overcome stigma and seek help.
Jac’s dad, Jesse, reflects on the heart of the mission: “We started small, just wanting to help people access mental health services. But thanks to the amazing community support, it has grown across South Wales.”
Creating a comfortable and familiar environment for men to seek help was vital, as Jesse adds: “We’ve set it up in football grounds to make that first step easier.”
Jac’s friends remember him as the ultimate “larger than life character” with a heart of gold. Shaun Williams, one of Jac’s best mates, recalls, “He always left a positive mark on people he met. He was there for us, even as he battled his own struggles.”
Ammanford is the heart and soul behind the Foundation’s incredible journey, gaining recognition from not just locals but also highlighting its significance to figures like Prince William.
Rhys Fisher, another of Jac’s closest friends, takes pride in how far they’ve come, saying, “The ones who struggle are often the ones trying hardest to make others smile—that was Jac. Today, seeing where the foundation has come and the recognition it’s received…it’s overwhelming.”
The Jac Lewis Foundation shows the true power of community and love, turning heartbreak into hope. 💛
**Remember, you’re not alone. If you need support, reach out to Mind Cymru on 0300 123 3393, Samaritans at 116 123, or C.A.L.L. on 0800 132 737.**