A County Durham mental health charity set up by parents after their son attempted suicide is set to hold a music festival this weekend.

George's Friend Fest is set to take place this Saturday (May 3) at the TCR Hub in Barnard Castle, promising 12 hours of music with over 18 performers.

The event has been organised by charity 'I'm George's Mate' which was set up after 17-year-old George Rabbett-Smith attempted suicide on June 4 last year. George, from Bowes, is still in hospital nearly a year later.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Hilary, George and David.Hilary, George and David. (Image: FAMILY)

His parents David and Hilary set up the charity in the hope that no other young person will go through the same battle as George. It offers information, support and guidance on mental health and suicide.

It had a parliamentary launch in December attended by several of the region's MPs, including Blaydon MP Liz Twist whose husband died by suicide.

Now, nearly 20 performers will take to the stage in Barnard Castle including Zararuth, Finlay Hudson, The Royals, Decades, The River Rats and more.

Tickets are still available for the big day, with adult admission priced at £17.

In January, dad David told The Northern Echo: “We tried to support him and had gone to the doctors to ask for help but the CAMHS waiting list was two years.

“We went out for about half an hour, came back, and came into the house and found him there. It was very much panic.

“It was completely out of the blue.”

He added: “Knowing how it had affected him with his friends’ deaths we didn’t want his friends to feel apart from what had happened to George. Between his friends and family we decided that starting up a charity would be a purposeful thing to do.

“In the early days it gave us a real focus – something to keep us going when George was touch and go.

“The aim is to provide suicide education courses for schools, providing funding for them to access courses or we are aiming to create a full course that will be accredited that schools can use.”

To buy tickets, click here.

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If you are in need of support you can contact the following:

  • Samaritans is available, day or night, 365 days of the year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
  • If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258
  • SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58
  • Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust crisis line 0800 0516 171.