HomeWinners and Good Causes: The Jacob Abraham Foundation
A powerful legacy of love, loss, and hope, the Jacob Abraham Foundation was born out of the unimaginable tragedy that struck Nicola Abraham in 2015. Nicola’s 24-year-old son, Jacob, took his own life, leaving behind a family and friends who were left reeling with grief and confusion. Jacob’s death was a shocking blow to all who knew him—he had been a happy, outgoing young man with a promising future. He was healthy, fit, had no history of mental illness, and was self-employed as a painter and decorator. His passing, therefore, raised more questions than answers, and for Nicola, the aftermath exposed a significant gap in support systems for those affected by suicide.
“Had I known I would lose Jacob, suicide would have been the last thing on my mind,” Nicola reflected in an interview. “I would have listed every other possibility before I ever considered that.”
The overwhelming feeling of helplessness and confusion that followed Jacob’s death became the fuel for a project that would go on to touch thousands of lives in South Wales. With no support, no resources, and no guidance from health or social services, Nicola found herself at a loss. She was left to navigate the grieving process alone, an experience she described as “grief with the volume turned up.” This was compounded by the stigma surrounding suicide—a stigma that often isolates those left behind and complicates the healing process.
It was in this dark place that Nicola decided to channel her pain into something meaningful. She wanted to prevent others from experiencing the same loneliness and uncertainty she had felt. And so, the Jacob Abraham Foundation was born.
A Vision for Suicide Prevention
The mission of the Jacob Abraham Foundation is simple but vital: to provide training, support, and resources to those who may be in a position to help someone at risk of suicide. Through its innovative 90-minute suicide prevention training package, the Foundation has equipped thousands of people in South Wales with the knowledge and confidence to talk to someone who might be struggling. This training is centered around the idea that talking about suicide doesn’t cause harm—it can, in fact, save lives.
The Foundation also provides ongoing support for those who have been bereaved by suicide. The grief of losing a loved one to suicide is unique and complex, and Nicola was determined to ensure that no one else would have to face it alone. The Foundation offers counseling, a sense of community, and bespoke support to those who need it the most.
Nicola credits The National Lottery with helping the Foundation grow into the influential organization it is today. Thanks to funding provided by National Lottery players, the Jacob Abraham Foundation has been able to reach more people and extend its services further. In particular, the Foundation’s suicide prevention training has been made available to anyone who wants to learn how to support someone in crisis.
“When the pandemic began, we were really struggling,” Nicola recalled. “There were just two of us, and we didn’t know if we’d make it through the month. It wasn’t sustainable.” The lockdowns that began in 2020 presented an additional set of challenges, including the loss of the Foundation’s building. For a while, Nicola and her team feared they would have to close the doors for good. But, as has so often been the case, The National Lottery stepped in to offer crucial support. The funding from the National Lottery’s People and Places initiative allowed the Foundation to not only stay afloat but to thrive. By the start of 2021, the Foundation had secured a new building in Cardiff, and with it, the ability to hire additional staff and expand their programs.
“The National Lottery has been a lifeline for us,” Nicola said. “It allowed us to continue our work and grow in ways we never imagined. We’ve gone from strength to strength, and it’s all thanks to the people who play the lottery and support causes like ours.”
A Mother’s Mission
The Foundation’s success is a testament to Nicola’s dedication and strength, as well as to the unwavering support of those who believe in the cause. In 2024, Nicola’s efforts were recognized in the highest possible way when she was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for her services to suicide prevention. The honor was a powerful reminder of how far the Foundation has come since its humble beginnings.
Reflecting on her journey, Nicola said, “If I could have saved Jacob, I would have. But I couldn’t. What I can do now is save others. I can offer support, I can offer hope, and I can help people find the courage to ask the difficult questions.”
The work of the Jacob Abraham Foundation goes beyond prevention and training. It is about creating a supportive community for those affected by suicide, breaking down the stigma, and offering a sense of belonging for people who may feel isolated in their grief. As Nicola describes it, “It’s been tough, but we’ve created this lovely community, and they all say that it’s been a lifeline.”
This work continues, day by day, and with each new person trained, each new family helped, the legacy of Jacob Abraham lives on. His story, while marked by tragedy, has become a beacon of hope for others.
World Suicide Prevention Day 2025
On Wednesday, 10th September 2025, the world will mark World Suicide Prevention Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and providing support to those affected by suicide. For Nicola and the Jacob Abraham Foundation, every day is a step toward making the world a safer place for those struggling with mental health issues. Every conversation about suicide is a chance to save a life. And every person who reaches out for help is one step closer to healing.
Since its inception, The National Lottery has played a pivotal role in supporting causes like the Jacob Abraham Foundation. Through the funding it provides, the lives of countless individuals have been improved, and thousands of projects—big and small—have been able to make a real difference in the communities they serve. Since 1994, more than 7,400 new millionaires have been made through National Lottery draws, and, on average, over £4 million is raised for good causes every single day.
For Nicola Abraham and the Jacob Abraham Foundation, The National Lottery’s support has been crucial. It has enabled them to continue their work, to offer hope, and to ensure that no one ever has to face the pain of losing a loved one to suicide without a compassionate community by their side.
As the Foundation looks ahead to another year of providing life-saving training and support, Nicola remains steadfast in her mission: “If we can prevent just one more family from going through what we did, then it’s all worth it. Every moment, every conversation, every person trained—it’s all worth it.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Jacob Abraham Foundation?
The Jacob Abraham Foundation is a suicide prevention charity based in South Wales. It provides training, support, and resources to help individuals identify and respond to those at risk of suicide, as well as offering support to those bereaved by suicide.
2. Why was the Foundation established?
The Foundation was established by Nicola Abraham following the tragic suicide of her son, Jacob, in 2015. Nicola wanted to provide the support and resources that were lacking after Jacob’s death, especially for those affected by suicide and those at risk.
3. What services does the Foundation offer?
The Foundation offers suicide prevention training, counseling, and support for people bereaved by suicide. It also works to raise awareness about mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding suicide.
4. How does the Foundation’s suicide prevention training work?
The Foundation delivers a 90-minute training package to equip individuals with the skills and confidence to support someone who may be at risk of suicide. The training teaches how to recognize signs of distress and how to engage in supportive conversations.
5. Is the suicide prevention training available to everyone?
Yes, the training is available to anyone who wants to learn how to support a loved one or friend who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. The Foundation has trained thousands of people in South Wales.
6. What is the Jacob Abraham Foundation’s main focus?
The Foundation focuses on suicide prevention, offering both training and counseling services. It also supports people who have lost loved ones to suicide, helping them navigate the complex grief process.
7. How has The National Lottery supported the Foundation?
The National Lottery has provided crucial funding to the Foundation, helping it grow and continue its work. Funding from The National Lottery enabled the Foundation to secure a new building and hire more staff to expand its services.
8. What impact has The National Lottery funding had?
The National Lottery’s funding allowed the Foundation to overcome financial difficulties, especially during the pandemic. It helped secure a new office in Cardiff and allowed the Foundation to offer more comprehensive services to the community.
9. How can I get involved with the Jacob Abraham Foundation?
You can get involved by attending one of the Foundation’s training sessions, volunteering, or donating to support their services. The Foundation also encourages people to spread awareness about suicide prevention.
10. What is the Foundation’s approach to grief support?
The Foundation offers bespoke support to those grieving a loved one lost to suicide. This includes counseling, support groups, and creating a community for those affected by similar losses. The Foundation recognizes the unique and intense nature of grief in these circumstances.
11. How can I donate or fundraise for the Foundation?
Donations can be made directly through the Jacob Abraham Foundation’s website, where you can also find fundraising opportunities. The Foundation relies on public donations and National Lottery funding to sustain its services.
12. What is World Suicide Prevention Day?
World Suicide Prevention Day is an international day observed on 10th September each year to raise awareness about suicide and mental health. The Jacob Abraham Foundation participates in this day to promote suicide prevention efforts and provide support to those in need.
