What we do

JNF is a charity, and we offer support and advice to people in Edinburgh and Lothians, and sometimes further afield.

We are here for everyone, who may identify as being at risk of, or affected by suicide.

What we do

JNF is a charity, and we offer support and advice to people in Edinburgh and Lothians, and sometimes further afield.

We are here for everyone, who may identify as being at risk of, or affected by suicide.

JNF aims to make a difference by offering:

Providing financial help towards the cost of quality specialist therapy, which will be agreed in consultation with your therapist.

Partnering with trained practitioners to host classroom-based workshops in schools and universities.

We believe there should be no stigma surrounding mental health and asking for help. By raising awareness, we strive to change negative perceptions.

Achievements

In 2015, the first year of running, The Joshua Nolan Foundation funded around 30 therapy sessions, in Edinburgh and the Lothians

2020 JNF funded over 500 sessions for those at risk of, or impacted by suicide

2021 JNF funded almost 1400 sessions for around 80 individuals

Testimonials

As a mother I was utterly desperate at a time in my son's life where he was at his lowest point. It all began almost 3 years ago when I noticed my son was self harming, this escalated fairly quickly and with it his mood descended in to what was the depths of despair. I was terrified and knew he needed urgent mental health intervention, however CAHMS involvement is a long and stressful process often taking months to finally see a clinical psychologist and I knew we were at a point where my son was critical in terms of needing support. I can't quite put into words the terror I felt at that time, but thank god I reached out to JNF and so my son began his recovery. He saw a female therapist who he really opened up to - he needed medication to help him with his depression and he needed ongoing support through counselling. My son did not stop self harming over night but he is now more aware of what is going on with him and has the tools to try and fight his depression. Mother to mother I am so grateful for the JNF, they saved my son's life.

−the mother of a JNF client

It changed my life for the better. I went from not functioning over a year ago to completely having a different and better outlook on life, and to be able to engage and take opportunities I would have just let go of in the past.

−Previous JNF client

Counselling totally changed my life and helped me to manage my disorder. If I had had to wait for over 2 years on the waiting list I’m not sure I would be here to tell the story today. JNF really saved my life.

−Previous JNF client

I honestly don’t know where I would be if not for the Foundation. I want to thank you all for the help and support that has been offered to me on my journey. The Joshua Nolan Foundation has made all the difference.

−Previous JNF client

I would like to formally thank the Joshua Nolan Foundation for the extensive support that has been provided in my mental recovery. These days I look back at how I was when I first arrived in Edinburgh and it’s almost like seeing an entirely different person.

−Previous JNF client

1 in 4 construction workers have contemplated/considered suicide so we need this charity more than ever. It’s been a lifeline for some of our network and/or family members over the last year. We will continue to support The JNF as people emerge from potentially the toughest 18 months of their lives. Living inside your head during these dark times has been tough for some of our staff but I know that they now feel like they have somewhere to turn if things get progressively worse!

−Kirsty, City Access Scaffolding

None of this would be possible without donations

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Meet the team

Laura Nolan

Founder

Laura founded the Joshua Nolan foundation after the death of her son Josh in 2013. Having experienced first hand such tragedy she wanted to find new and better ways to support others in Scotland.

Laura has run her own business for a number of years and is a trained massage therapist, skincare specialist and meditation teacher.

Esther Hodges

Trustee

Esther joined the Foundation as a Trustee in September 2022. She cares hugely about suicide support and prevention, and, having recently moved to Edinburgh, wanted to do what she could to support the Foundation's critical work.

Prior to moving to Edinburgh, she volunteered for four years at The Listening Place - a London-based suicide support charity - and in her day job she conducts research around the world on issues like gender, conflict and peace-building. She has previously worked on governance matters at Save the Children UK, and as a Trustee for RefugeeEd.

Zoë Sinclair

Secretary

Zoë works for Sumdog, an online Maths and Literacy game-based program for schools. Zoë has known Laura Nolan for over 30 years, and was very close to Joshua, so the charity is very close to her heart. Proud to be a Trustee as she believes the JNF offers a unique service for people suffering from suicidal thoughts.

Emma Vallely

Trustee

Emma has experience in driving strategic change for organisations when it comes to mental health at work, as well as supporting teams and individuals to have proactive, supportive conversations about mental health at work. Emma joined the Joshua Nolan Foundation as a Trustee in September 2022.

Emma has previously volunteered with homelessness prevention charities to support the wellbeing of those affected by homelessness, and is a transformational coach outside of her day job.
Emma's drive to address the stigma around mental health conversations originated from her own experience with poor mental health, and has resulted in a wealth of experience and insight from her career so far.

Emma Hourston

Chair

Emma joined the Foundation as Chair in September 2022. Emma is hugely passionate about improving mental health awareness, removing the stigma it holds and ensuring that all people have the tools available to heal and grow. Having worked in HR for the last 12 years and most recently becoming a qualified Life & Business Coach, Emma thrives in supporting people.

Emma feels honoured to be on the board of such an incredible charity and is excited to be a driving force behind its growth through this next chapter.

Anna Neubert-Wood

Charity Manager

With experience in the field of Wellbeing, Mental Health and community growth, Anna joined the Joshua Nolan Foundation in October 2022. She is looking to grow the charity’s reach and expand its services, help build a bigger support network for Mental Health requirements in Edinburgh and further afield.

Passionate about removing the stigma around mental illness, creating safe spaces for those craving community and supporting individuals and organisations on their growth journey.