AN award-winning Somerset suicide prevention charity that supports children and young adults is facing closure after being served with an eviction notice.

In Charley’s Memory (ICM) – launched in 2014 by Jo Clement after her son, Charley Marks, took his own life aged just 18 – is scrambling to raise £300,000 to secure new premises after receiving a shock 90-day eviction notice to leave its base at Brue Way, Highbridge.

The charity, which delivers thousands of counselling sessions for young people across Somerset each year, is now appealing for support as it tries to fund a move.

Dawn Carey, CEO of the charity, said: “We were made aware that our building was being sold in Spring 2025, due to the voluntary liquidation of the company that we sublet from but were initially assured by the parent company that we were safe for at least 18 months.”

ICM has been based at Unit 6, Brue Way, and was a sub-tenant of Hy-Tec enamelling – which was believed to be owned by Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club chair and CEO, Tony Rowe CBE.

However, Hy-Tec has now closed down, with the site listed for sale for almost £1.5 million in the summer.

Just months later, the eviction notice was served.

Dawn set up the charity in memory of her son, Charley, after he died by suicide at just 18

An ICM spokesperson went on: “Surviving as a charity in the current economic climate is challenging enough, but the unexpected need to move premises will force the closure of In Charley’s Memory if we aren’t able to raise urgent financial support.

“We’d be grateful if anyone is able to donate to our urgent appeal, however large or small, to help us find and set up in a new home and enable us to continue providing lifesaving support to children and adults across Somerset.

“Additionally, if anyone has office space available in the area that could be suitable for a charity, we would love to hear from you.

“We need office space that can accommodate around seven private appointments per hour with parking in the Burnham and Highbridge area.”

For more information on ICM – and to offer support – visit the charity’s Just Giving page at justgiving.com/campaign/icmbigfundraiser, or contact Jamie or Dawn via hello@incharleysmemory.com.