When Kirsty Solman's son Kyle was rushed to hospital after attempting to take his own life, she made herself a promise. She would make sure no family had to face what hers had faced — alone.

Kyle, who has autism and ADHD, was taken to the Royal Hospital for Children's A&E multiple times after ingesting medication. He was just ten years old. The Drumchapel family felt let down by the systems that should have protected him — long waiting lists, overstretched services, and a lack of joined-up support for children battling mental health difficulties.

Rather than retreat, Kirsty and her husband Scott channelled their anguish into action. In January 2024, their charity, Stand With Kyle Now, obtained official status — and the family hasn't stopped since.

"We wanted to get registered so we could help more people," Kirsty told Glasgow Live. "We are constantly trying to support families because the length of time kids are waiting on diagnosis for ADHD, autism and anxiety is increasing. These children struggling with their mental health will become adults who are struggling."

A family affair

Stand With Kyle Now is, in every sense, a family project. Kyle, now 14, named both of the charity's flagship initiatives himself.

Project Worry provides free mental health bundles to Glasgow schools and to families whose children are struggling. For primary-age children, the bundles include a "worry monster" — a soft toy with a zip mouth where youngsters can post written worries. It's a small, tangible thing, but Kirsty says it can open the door to bigger conversations.

"It is all about catching issues early enough," she said.

Project Encourage takes a different approach, inviting members of the public to write letters of encouragement to people in mental health units across the UK. The idea is simple but powerful: letting someone who is struggling know that they are not forgotten.

"Knowing someone is thinking about them can make a huge difference," Kirsty said.

The charity also runs peer support groups for parents — something Kirsty knows from experience is desperately needed.

"A lot of parents who contact us have been broken down so much by the system that they have just given up," she said. "Here is a safe space where they can support each other. It is really isolating sometimes and you can be stuck in your own house because that can be the only way to keep your child safe."

Campaigning for change

Beyond direct support, Stand With Kyle Now is pushing for systemic reform. The charity is behind a petition, currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament, calling for separate mental health A&E units for children.

More recently, Kirsty has launched a second petition calling for a mandatory national anti-bullying policy in Scottish schools. Kyle, who has faced persistent bullying in both primary and secondary school, was attacked just before Christmas 2025.

"Kids who are being bullied are being punished more than the people who are bullying them," Kirsty said. "Children deserve to feel safe in schools. Something needs to change."

Looking ahead

Kirsty's ambitions for the charity continue to grow. Her dream is to one day provide a retreat where families can spend a weekend together, access counselling, and connect with others who understand what they're going through.

"When we are at the lowest point with Kyle's mental health, that is something we would've thrived for," she said.

Kyle himself has become an advocate in his own right, speaking openly in school about his experiences and making videos encouraging other young people not to be afraid of seeking help or taking medication.

"Kyle sharing his journey has helped a number of families going through similar things," Kirsty said. "The charity is his legacy, so it is important that he is involved in it."

How you can help

Anyone wishing to support Stand With Kyle Now can send a letter of encouragement to: SKWN, PO Box 16276, Glasgow, G15 9AJ. The charity's petition on school bullying is open for signatures on the Scottish Parliament's website.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7) or Childline on 0800 1111.