Family of Scott Hutchison launch mental health charity in honour of the Frightened Rabbit singer

A new charity has been launched by the family of Scott Hutchison, a year on from the Frightened Rabbit singer’s death.

Tiny Changes aims to raise awareness of children and young people’s mental health issues, a cause close to Hutchison’s heart.

It’s the culmination of a fundraising campaign launched in the wake of the Selkirk-born singer’s death last May.

Hutchison took his own life following a long battle with depression.

Let's all make tiny changes together. https:/maketinychanges.co.uk #maketinychanges #tinychanges pic.twitter.com/Hb5m4tyFWE

— Tiny Changes (@TinyChanges3) May 7, 2019

A statement from parents Ron and Marion and brothers Neil and Grant said: “Our beloved brother and son Scott Hutchison was born in Edinburgh in 1981. He took his own life in Queensferry in 2018. In those 36 and a half years, Scott’s impact was far reaching and felt by many people.

“Through his music and art he made many thousands of tiny changes and encouraged other people around the world to do the same. The honesty of his lyrics and openness about his own mental health inspired people in all walks of life. It is a legacy that should be continued and nourished.

“Since his sad death in May 2018, the outpouring of grief from people that knew Scott has been overwhelming. Whether they knew him personally, through his music and art, or through the interviews he gave on deeply personal matters, so many people have been profoundly affected by his life. Mental health, and young people’s mental health in particular, was a cause close to Scott’s heart.

“He often spoke openly of his own struggles as an anxious child, even naming his band “Frightened Rabbit” after a nickname given to him by his Mum. Tragically, the weight of his ill health became too great for him to carry as an adult.

“We want to continue the legacy that Scott built. To channel the energy he generated in people all over the world into positive action on mental health among young people and to make tiny changes to Earth.”

The charity’s name is inspired by lyrics of the Frightened Rabbit song Head Rolls Off.

The new organisation hopes to advance understanding of the root causes of mental ill health and support innovation in the design and delivery of mental health services to children and young people.

It also aims to support and promote initiatives that provide help to children and young people impacted by mental health problems, their families and carers.

In addition, it is focused on providing a voice to children and young people who have been affected by mental health issues to influence mental health policy and practice.

For more information visit maketinychanges.co.uk