Joanne Harris, from West Denton, Newcastle, has turned her grief over the loss of her sister Rachel into the Mini Elves Project, a support initiative that provides personalised gift bags to people in crisis. Rachel took her own life just days after Christmas last year, leaving Joanne, her mother Ann Thompson, and the rest of the family shocked and devastated.
The 28-year-old said she was "very close" with her older sister growing up, describing the feelings she experienced as "the worst moments of my life". After drifting apart as adults, the sisters reconnected and "loved each other like siblings do". Rachel struggled with her mental health and addiction problems, and "in the end, she gave up asking for help".
A Devastating Discovery
Joanne recalled that the family had "a lovely day on Christmas itself", with Rachel putting on a brave face despite struggling. Days later, when Joanne tried to ring Rachel to tell her about a support group, she did not respond. After her mother also failed to hear from her, the family went to a bar Rachel liked, but her friends had not seen her. They then drove to her address, forced the door open with a crowbar, and found her there.
Joanne said: "You constantly replay things on your head, thinking about whether there is anything that you could have done, but I don't know if there is anything that would have changed what happened by that time. We were shocked and devastated, and it has made mum not want to do Christmas this year."
A Project Born from Grief
Throughout this difficult time, Joanne has focused on her eight-year-old son Riley, who "really struggles" after losing his auntie. Riley has autism and ADHD, and Joanne suspects Rachel had the same neurodiversity but was undiagnosed. When Riley asked what happened to his auntie, the family told him that "her head and heart were hurting".
The Mini Elves Project was created while the family was navigating this situation. Joanne said: "I am a believer in everything having a meaning and happening for a reason, and I know that Rachel is at peace and not suffering anymore. I want her legacy to be in helping others, so I always felt like, if we were able to support one person who is at crisis point, then the work setting it up would be worth it."
How the Project Works
Through referrals from professionals, the project provides bags of gifts chosen around each person's needs and interests. Joanne explained: "We want someone opening their bag to feel: 'Somebody has thought about me. Somebody has seen me. I matter.'" She added that the project is not just for children and can help anyone feel "seen and valued".
Joanne, who also sings and writes songs, said dedicating herself to the project has helped her with her own grief. She said: "Doing this has made me feel more like me, and seeing the kids get involved has been absolutely amazing too. If anyone out there knows someone who is massively struggling and needs support, please get in touch, as you can help to make more of a difference to their lives than you know."
The Mini Elves Project's referral form, Amazon wishlist, Facebook profile, and GoFundMe page can all be found on its Linktree page.
