17-year-old uses power of TikTok and Instagram to put together care packages for people struggling during lockdown

Kitty’s TikToks have been viewed by over 30,000 people and the 17-year-old has received more than £800 in donations from all over the UK.

The Chichester High School sixth former was inspired to try to help others having experienced her own mental health struggles during lockdown and before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kitty said: “I set up the GoFundMe page with the hope of raising money to help those struggling with their mental health during lockdown – the response has been completely overwhelming!

“As someone who has dealt with mental illness for the majority of my teenage years, I know first-hand the effect the uncertainty of lockdown can have on teens and young adults.

“There are more people struggling than ever and the support just isn’t there for people.

“I wanted to remind those faced with the unknown that there are people that do care about them.”

From chocolate and sweets to bath bombs and face masks, Kitty’s care packages include a variety of treats to provide a boost for the recipient.

Kitty said: “Lockdown can feel lonely, and with seemingly no end in sight we need to pull together. I have been lucky enough to be in a position to help people.

“This is non-profit and all money donated goes to the packages – the more money I am able to raise, the more people I will be able to help!”

Kitty has also received more than 300 messages on her Instagram page from people who are struggling.

She said: “People with parents that have developed long-term covid and lost their jobs, people who have lost family members, people who are living alone with no contact and money problems – it really hit home the scale of it all.

“You hear the stories on TV but seeing it first-hand is another matter. It’s made me all the more determined to help.

“During tough times like this we need to pull together, and that is exactly what I’ve been lucky enough to witness.”

Find Kitty on TikTok or Instagram or donate at uk.gofundme.com/f/recovery-packages-and-letters

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