A Furness College student has been announced as the winner of a special hoodie design competition aimed at raising awareness of mental health and encouraging people to speak openly about their feelings.
The winning design, by Gracie McAteer, was selected as part of a competition organised by the college in support of the Twinkle for Heather campaign.
Twinkle for Heather was launched in memory of Heather Porter who died by suicide at the age of 22.
The campaign promotes the Girlguiding North Lonsdale Division’s mental health awareness badge and works to challenge the stigma that can prevent people from seeking help.
The competition invited students at Furness College to design a hoodie that would spark conversation about mental health.
The response was described as “overwhelming” by organisers, who praised the empathy and creativity shown in the entries.
Gracie McAteer and Kay Groundwater (Image: Furness College)
Ms McAteer said she was “really happy” to have won, and said she entered the competition after learning about the campaign.
She said: “I hadn’t heard about Twinkle for Heather before this competition so I looked it up and found out about it.
“I entered because it is a good cause and I wanted to spread awareness.
“I am really happy to be the winner and to be able to do something for this good cause.”
Her winning design was brought to life by print company Identity, which printed it onto a hoodie.
Ms McAteer was joined by Heather’s parents, Sarah Milligan and Phill Porter, who co-founded Twinkle for Heather, to see the finished product.
Ms Milligan and Mr Porter said the design perfectly captured the purpose of the campaign.
Heather Porter took her own life in April 2022. (Image: Submitted)
They said: “Gracie’s winning design was chosen because the message was simple yet very emotive and impactful.
“It reflects the whole idea behind the Twinkle for Heather campaign, created in memory of our beautiful daughter Heather, who we lost to suicide at the age of 22.
“We want people to understand that reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness.”
Identity, the company that produced the hoodies, played a crucial role in the project.
Kay and Mel from Identity donated their time and the first hoodies, helping turn the design into a wearable reminder to start conversations.
The college said it hopes the initiative will continue to spark important conversations, especially among young people.
By encouraging creative expression and collaboration, the project highlights the strength in speaking up about mental health challenges.
Twinkle for Heather continues to honour Heather’s memory by promoting openness, understanding, and the importance of reaching out for support.
The campaign has also helped raise awareness of the Girlguiding North Lonsdale Division’s mental health awareness badge.
The hoodie competition is just one example of how Twinkle for Heather is encouraging people of all ages to start conversations and break down stigma.
Hoodies can be purchased in support of Twinkle for Heather from Identity.