THE MARTIN GALLIER PROJECT

The Martin Gallier Project is a UK-based nonprofit charity dedicated to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention, primarily serving the North West of England. Registered with charity number 1190699, the organization operates as a non-clinical support center offering immediate assistance to individuals experiencing suicidal crisis, as well as training programs for suicide intervention.

History and Background

The charity was founded in February 2019 by Jessica Gallier in memory of her father, Martin Gallier, who died by suicide in 2017. Jessica was motivated to establish the project to address the gaps in suicide prevention and support services that her family encountered, aiming to create a timely, accessible, and non-clinical option for people in crisis and their families.

Mission and Objectives

The Martin Gallier Project focuses on preventing suicides, breaking down stigma associated with mental health and suicide, and supporting families, including those bereaved by suicide. It is the only charity in the North West of England offering a comprehensive range of suicide-related services including prevention, intervention, and postvention support.

Services

Crisis Support

The project provides immediate crisis intervention support on the high street with no barriers to access, waiting lists, or eligibility criteria. This service reduces the need for clinical interventions and hospital admissions by offering timely and appropriate help to individuals in suicidal crisis.

Support for Bereaved Families

Recognizing that family members bereaved by suicide are at higher risk of suicide themselves, the charity offers assessments and tailored support to ensure their safety and well-being.

Training and Workshops

The Martin Gallier Project delivers Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), a two-day interactive suicide first aid workshop, particularly targeted at family units dealing with suicide risk. Additional skills-based workshops such as ‘safeTALK’ and ‘Working Well’ are also provided, often including external expert speakers.

Operations and Reach

Based in New Ferry, Wirral, the charity operates seven days a week from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and has expanded recent activities to Chester City Centre with plans for further regional growth. To date, the charity has completed over 26,000 suicide interventions, demonstrating a significant impact in suicide prevention within its service area.

Governance and Staffing

The Martin Gallier Project is governed by six trustees and supported by around 60 volunteers. It maintains a strong commitment to policies related to bullying and harassment, complaints handling, and campaigning activities. The organization does not employ staff with total benefits over £60,000 and is registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) since August 2020, previously operating under the name GALLIER HOUSE C.I.C.

Recognition

The charity is recognized as the only suicide intervention, prevention, and postvention service in the North West of England, providing a unique trifecta of support that encompasses immediate crisis help, ongoing prevention efforts, and post-suicide family support.

Summary

The Martin Gallier Project represents a pioneering approach to suicide support in the UK, combining accessible crisis intervention with education and family support to reduce suicide rates and stigma in the North West of England.

Note: This article is based on information available from the Martin Gallier Project and public charity records as of 2025.

[1] https://www.themartingallierproject.org [2] https://www.themartingallierproject.org/about-us [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=1190699&subId=0 [4] https://livingworks.net/blog-posts/the-martin-gallier-project-providing-a-trifecta-of-support-to-the-uk-community/ [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5160476/full-print