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Saving Lives.

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First Contact UK Mental Health CIC was founded by Thomas Judge, who serves as both the founder and Director. After spending four years as part of an online mental health forum, Tom decided to take his mission further by establishing a Community Interest Company in August 2023. This came a year after he and his team completed an extraordinary walk from Middlesbrough to Benidorm to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.

Over the course of 10 weeks, Tom walked an incredible 1,167 miles, raising £8,000 and inspiring thousands along the way. His efforts left a lasting legacy—raising vital funds to support others while bringing mental health and suicide prevention into the public spotlight.

Tom is a passionate advocate for a unified and independent UK mental health service, where all providers work collaboratively under one umbrella system. He also champions the inclusion of mental health education in school curriculums at every level, starting from primary school.

Stay connected with us for updates on our events and Tom’s inspiring adventures, with exciting plans leading up to 2028.

Meet the Team

Thomas Judge

Founder & CEO
Tom started First Contact UK Mental Health because of his own illness.

“I was a very active entrepreneur and at the age of 50, I was struck down with complex PTSD and disassociation disorders and that’s why I wanted to set something up to help others overcome day to day challenges. From my point of view, there was absolutely nothing that was sustainable for me after I came out of services that was open-ended in terms of after care and rehabilitation support."

Today, his overarching aim is to provide people with a facility they can use for as long as they need, with suitable recovery support that will enable them to remain stable for longer, as well as providing fully funded meaningful activities.

Tom Carroll

Logistics Manager
Tom has dedicated much of his life to roles in security and teaching, showing strong commitment to protecting and educating others. However, his journey took a new direction after being diagnosed with complex PTSD.

“Following my diagnosis, I had to make the difficult decision to close my business, but now, helping others to deal with mental health challenges and find strength in their struggles will be my legacy to the world."

Tom is very proud to co-found First Contact UK Mental Health alongside close friends Tom Judge and Victoria Lawrence.

Victoria Lawrence

Media Manager
Victoria has spent over a decade helping charities connect with their communities and raise much-needed funds. Since June 2012, she has volunteered with Breast Cancer Now’s Isle of Man group, where she lived for 14 years, creating event posters and websites to support their fundraising efforts. She has also helped other charities on a casual basis with publicity and websites for their events.

"I’ve lived with depression on and off throughout my life and currently take medication to manage it. Tom’s story and dedication inspire me so much, and I’m proud to help promote the amazing work First Contact UK Mental Health is doing."

Victoria is looking forward to helping First Contact UK Mental Health reach as many people as possible.
First Contact UK Mental Health CIC, founded by Thomas Judge (Director), is a Community Interest Company (Company Number: 15073399) registered at Unit 3 Medhurst House, Sotherby Road, Middlesbrough, TS3 8BT.

The CIC is dedicated to addressing mental health challenges within the Teesside and Tees Valley communities. With the slogan "Illuminating Hope, Saving Lives", First Contact UK advocates for improved mental health services and provides vital support to individuals in need.
07796 107418
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