A special summer house has opened to support struggling youngsters, in memory of a young man from Colchester who took his own life.

The Charlie Watkins Foundation was set up in 2017 after the death of Charlie Watkins, 22, in March of the same year.

Mr Watkins, who appeared as a contestant on ITV dating show Take Me Out before his death, was a criminology graduate from York University but was from Colchester.

Charlie’s twin brother Harry set up the foundation with their father, Tim.

Harry and Charlie tragically lost their mother to cancer at nine years of age and it is thought Charlie never fully recovered from the loss.

Now following work with the Youth Enquiry Service since the start of 2021, a summer house named Charlie’s Cabin, has been funded for YES’ premises in Colchester.

Charlie’s brother, Harry, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with YES again by funding Charlie’s Cabin for use in its community garden.”

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YES works with some of the most vulnerable young people in Essex and helps to address their emotional needs, supporting more than 2,000 people each year.

The charity’s premises boasts a community garden with an allotment area with fruit and vegetables which young people can grow from seeds to harvest, plus a small kitchen where they can cook using their produce.

It is hoped the addition of Charlie’s Cabin will provide a safe and solitary space for young people to go and talk to their peers charity staff about any troubles they may be experiencing.

Foundation development director, Lady Suzie Haworth, said: “It has been incredible to see the difference we are making to the lives of young people in Essex.

“We have always been keen to support a charity close to home and YES is a perfect fit for us.”

YES’ chief executive, David Sollis, added: “Charlie’s Cabin is a wonderful addition to our community garden and we hope it will provide an additional safe location for the young people who use our services.”

If you’d like to donate to the Charles Watkins Foundation, you should visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/cwf.