Loo Fletcher: Be More Sunflower
Loo Fletcher, aka The Sunflower Gal, is a suicide prevention activist, mental health advocate and founder of the ≠bemoresunflower movement. In 2018 she tried to take her own life after experiencing a breakdown at Law School in Bristol. Today, Loo is truly shining as much light as possible on this important societal issue. This woman’s creativism has featured on the BBC, The Happy Newspaper, and in many other Bristol media. We had the pleasure to chat to Loo and find out more about herself, her movement and, her biggest joy, Vivi her van.
Hey, Loo! Can you tell us a bit more about your mission and the projects you’re working on?
I am a suicide prevention activist. I have built a campaign around universal prevention, in the sense of intervening before mental health problems begin alongside promoting sustainable mental health for all. We started out as a communi-tea (200 people & 20 locations have signed up thus far) who come together to prevent suicide. Part of what we do is creating sunflower coloured pom poms, with attached ‘grounding in the moment’ notes (they're free!).
We distribute to different parts of the city of Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. Think bus stops, train stations, green spaces, nightclubs, cafes, bars, pubs and, in particular, university campuses. You can take a look on Instagram and Facebook to see where our pom poms are shining solidarity, nourishment and strength.
The aim is to make people feel that they are not alone and remind them that people care, especially during the darkest of times. Hope is lost during those darkest times. It is also very isolating. It is paramount that those individuals who do not want to or are not at the stage of ‘talking therapies’ are not left behind in the form of help. These sunflower pom poms therefore act as a gentler form of conversation.
The Communitea will not only help those who will get the pom poms, but also those who create them. A lot of people who want to be involved in the project have had either direct or indirect experience with suicide. The conversations that happen alongside crafting are invaluable in helping people feel that they too are not alone, as well as connecting with themselves. Those who take the pom poms also have the option to reach out to the private Facebook group 'Sunflower Suicide Prevention Project’. This is where people can meet the project, use my directory of further service information, or attend any of the sunflower solidarity/self-compassion workshops in their local area.
Amazing! And, how do your own experiences shape what you do now?
In 2018 I tried to take my own life after experiencing a breakdown at Law School in Bristol. I know what it is like to be in that dark place and how far compassion goes in shining some light into your life. Whilst I may not be a barrister, I now see social justice and advocacy through different lenses.
So, with that in mind, what change do you want to see in how we approach mental health?
People’s access to mental health services is formal, delayed and detached therefore an alternative approach is crucially needed. That is why I am using the medium of creativity in a community set up, over a cup of tea and cake, to equip others with the tools they need for healthier minds. We truly should all be at the centre of our mental health. It is not linear by any means, but it is the connection you have with yourself that matters most.
Totally agree. Also, one thing we wanted to ask is, you talk about ‘reinventing’ 21st century mental health. What do you mean by that?
There is an equally important aspect to self-connection that is becoming increasingly overlooked in this fast-paced world; togetherness. I think the pendulum has swung too far into the realms of self-care, it’s not all about bath bombs…what I call capitalism gone mad. In terms of social media, I founded the ≠bemoresunflower movement to bring a sense of togetherness and nuance self-care for the 21st century. It’s essentially about community.
So that community then, how did you that lead into ‘CommuniTEA’? Can you explain it a bit more?
‘Communitea’ is a play on words, how I feature tea amongst the community. However, there is a wider message about the importance of pausing in your day. More often than not, tea has the power to bring people together and remind you to take a break. This message sits alongside the choice of flower: sunflower! Sunflowers grow next to one another in a field; this symbolizes the togetherness that I think the mental health landscape needs to encapsulate.
You’ve done SO much already. What has been your best 10 out of 10 moment whilst doing what you do?
Without doubt, the best moments are when I receive messages from people who have taken the pom poms, or who are part of the communitea or who have attended the workshops. It reminds me why I am doing what I am doing; shining light into other’s lives.
Another thing we’ve seen you talk about on your Instagram is your beautiful van, Vivi! Can you tell us about your adventures with her?
Vivi is not only the vehicle for social change, but she was paramount in my journey of connecting with myself. Living in her has taught me to question the status quo, because it may not be your status quo. I am yet to do the cliché van life road trip, but she has taken me to beautiful parts of the UK and I hope many more to come!
And, like all of us can, when you’re having a low moment how do you look after yourself?
Pause (with a cup of tea). Show yourself kindness and remember you are part of common humanity.
Other than tea, of course, what cheers you up most when you need it?
Watching goat videos, or better still seeing them in real life. Discovering new music. Being around my loved ones.
So if that is WHAT cheers you up, WHO inspires you?
Brene Brown taught me that vulnerability is not weakness; it truly is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.
And finally, what are your plans for the future? We know they’ll be amazing…
I will continue shining light into people’s lives, and aligning with my values of creativity, spirituality and compassion to bring about positive change in the mental health landscape.