About Us

Nicola Harteveld - Founder of Megan’s Starr

In February 2017, my life changed irrevocably. My beloved beautiful little girl Megan, a vibrant soul full of hopes and dreams, tragically felt she had nowhere to turn and took her own life. The moment I received the news, it felt as though a grenade had exploded at the very centre of my being. In the aftermath, the pain was so overwhelming that it blurred my memories, leaving a hollow silence in its wake, that to this day still remains.

During those dark days, the stark realisation that Megan must have felt utterly alone, with no one to turn to, was almost as painful as the loss itself. This profound realisation sparked a determination within me ~ no other young person should have to endure such isolation and pain unsupported. From this resolve, Megan’s Starr was born. Seven years have passed since I started this journey, a journey tinged with both sorrow and purpose. Our mission has never felt more urgent, as our services continue to be a lifeline for those young people in need.

Megan's Starr has since blossomed into a vibrant hub of mental health advocacy and support. In just the last two years, we've provided over 1,400 hours of both peer and professional support to young people. But our services extend beyond these hours. We offer comprehensive workshops, counselling sessions & crisis intervention. Our workshops cover a wide range of topics from stress management and mindfulness to life skills and job readiness, all aimed at empowering young people to take control of their mental health and futures.

We also operate the Megan’s Starr Community Coffee House, a welcoming space where young individuals can connect, share their stories, and find a supportive community. They can engage in volunteering opportunities, barista training, food hygiene and upskilling workshops and accreditations, gaining not only professional skills but also confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Our community events, from games nights to support groups, foster an environment of understanding and healing.

At Megan's Starr, we have crafted a unique and nurturing approach. We bridge the critical gap between the immediate need for support and the often-lengthy process of accessing professional services. By offering empathetic, accessible support early, we aim to prevent mental health crises before they escalate.

As the founder and a grieving mother, transforming our profound loss into a beacon of hope has been both my solace and my challenge. Megan’s Starr is more than a charity ~ it is a legacy of love and a testament to the power of turning grief into action.

We are here, ready to offer crucial support when it's needed most, continuing Megan's legacy through every young life we touch. We strive to ensure that no young person ever feels they have nowhere to turn.