Ellie MacDonald is a passionate advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. In 2024 she founded HelloHope, a community interest company focused on delivering training that empowers individuals to recognise the signs of mental distress and support those in need. With a background in psychology and over a decade of experience in PR and marketing, Ellie combines her expertise to make a difference in the lives of others.
“I believe that we all have the power within us to support one another, and that suicide prevention is a community effort.”
From psychology to PR
Born and raised in Leeds, I attended the University of Huddersfield to study psychology. My fascination with the human mind propelled me through my studies, although I admit I enjoyed university life a little too much at times! By the end of my degree, however, I felt a strong urge to start earning money and realised that I didn’t want to pursue a career as a psychologist after all.
After a bit of soul-searching, I took a receptionist job to pay the bills. It was during this time that I stumbled upon an advert for an energy-saving company that piqued my interest. I attended the interview, thinking I was applying for an admin role. However, I passionately discussed ideas on how to promote energy savings, and the marketing manager recognised my potential, asking me to return for a marketing role instead. This was my first introduction to the world of marketing and PR, and I was hooked.
Taking control of my own destiny
Though my first taste of PR was promising, it was short-lived as the marketing manager left soon after I joined, and all marketing efforts were outsourced to the council. I found myself back in an admin role but was determined to return to marketing. I fought hard to regain my footing and, with a stroke of luck, we won a contract with the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre. Under encouraging managers there, I managed the PR and was even given the opportunity to pursue my marketing and PR qualifications.
My journey led me to various roles, including marketing manager for the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and then as an account manager at a PR agency. While I loved the variety and challenges of working with diverse clients, I didn’t have the kindest employers. This motivated me to take the plunge and start my own PR company, MacComms, nearly ten years ago. I have been dedicated to supporting startups, small businesses, and charitable organisations ever since.
Turning pain into purpose
A couple of years ago, I felt a strong need for a new challenge. My mental health had been struggling, the loss of my father to suicide when I was just four years old took a long time to come to terms with and decide to channel my pain into something positive. This experience propelled me to conduct extensive research and retrain as a mental health and suicide prevention instructor.
Armed with new knowledge and a vision, I approached a branding agency with an idea for a new venture. Together, we launched HelloHope earlier this year, focusing on delivering prevention training. I believe that community involvement is essential. The more people who can recognise the signs that someone is struggling, the better equipped we will be to help them reach a place of safety.
Addressing social media’s impact on girls’ mental health
In a recent LinkedIn post, I expressed concern about the impact of social media on young girls’ mental health. The statistics are alarming: suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50, and everyone else under 35 in the UK and suicide rates among young people continue to rise. I can’t help but think that the rise of social media, with its unrealistic portrayals of “perfect” lives, plays a significant role in this crisis.
Just the other day, I witnessed four girls waiting for a bus, all glued to their phones. One girl kept taking selfies, scrutinising them, and it broke my heart to see her dissatisfaction with her own image. We need to help young people understand that they are enough as they are, and that these social media pressures can be incredibly damaging.
Building confidence in young girls
As a community, we must empower young girls to build their self-esteem and limit their time online. I encourage parents, educators, and other community members to start conversations with the young people in their lives. It’s essential to create a safe space where they can share their feelings without judgment.
When engaging with teens, approach them with kindness and concern. Rather than pointing out negative behaviour, express your worries and encourage open dialogue. If they feel safe and know that you’re there to support them, they’re more likely to open up and come to you when they’re ready.
A call to action
The work we do at HelloHope revolves around suicide prevention and supporting mental health. I truly believe this is a collective effort, and we must all strive to be more aware of those around us. It is crucial to spot the signs that someone may be struggling, whether it’s a friend, a colleague, or even a stranger on the street.
We offer training courses that equip individuals with the skills and confidence to have these difficult conversations and to support those in need. I invite everyone to explore our HelloHope offerings and engage with our campaigns. Together, we can normalise conversations around mental health and make a meaningful difference in our communities.
Vision for the future
While HelloHope is still in its infancy, I have exciting plans for the future, including launching world-first technology and penning a book about my experiences. I’m committed to making a positive impact and hope to rally support from our community to help reduce suicide rates. With collaboration and empathy, I truly believe we can create a safer world for everyone.
Reference links
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliemacdonald
- https://www.hellohope.uk
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/hellohope
- https://www.instagram.com/hellohopeuk
- https://www.facebook.com/hellohopeuk
- https://twitter.com/hellohopeuk
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/maccomms
- https://www.instagram.com/maccomms
- https://www.facebook.com/maccomms
- https://twitter.com/maccommsyorks
