Charity Focus: Get Emotions Out (GEO)
Charity Focus: Get Emotions Out (GEO)
Charity Focus • Winter 2021
On 30th April 2021, 24-year-old former Yorkshire Regiment soldier George ‘Geo’ Ellis took his own life. Following this sad event, charity Hull 4 Heroes established the GEO (Get Emotions Out) group in George’s name to help serving and former service men to talk among those who understand them.
George sadly took his own life just a month after attending the funeral of his best friend and soldier Damon Hakin. Both had served in the 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment together. Despite embarking on a new career as a telecoms engineer, George struggled to cope with his friend taking his own life.
It is estimated that more than 250 serving and former military personnel have died from suicide since 2018. To provide further support, Hull 4 Heroes established GEO with the blessing of Georges family, basing the group on the model established for Andys Man Club.
Plans to establish the group had been in the making for some time and accelerated with the recent troubles in Afghanistan, which led to an increase in calls for help. Central to the group’s purpose is to offer a place to talk to those who understand their experiences and be able to speak openly.
It is hoped that this support will help to prevent suicide in serving and former service men.
Hull 4 Heroes continues to gain a significant profile as a national beacon for how serving and former service men and women are supported, attracting the support of TV presenter Nick Knowles.
To get support from GEO, contact Paul Matson on 01482 534483 or email paul.matson@hull4heroes.org.uk