Collet Hunter believed her children’s emotional growth and happiness were two of the most essential things to a bright future. Viewing London as a prime place for this agenda, she packed up her things and boarded an 8-hour flight along with her two sons heading to the United Kingdom from Jamaica. Things however took a drastic turn when she saw how the youths of today were struggling to get by, battling homelessness and being left stranded to fend for themselves.
Her oldest James found understanding amongst the youths and detested the way society misunderstood his newly found family.
Five years after arriving in London, James lost his life to knife crime in his community. The date was May 31 2014; Location, Wells Park Road, Sydenham, minutes from his home. He died saving a boy that was being attacked by a clan of boys carrying knives.
Five years later “Memoirs from a mother’s diary” is self-published by Collet Hunter, poems and quotes are written from her many healing moments. Each picture has been recreated to share journeys before and after her son’s death. Several gardens have been set up in James Ross Hunter's memory, as a legacy for peace.
James Ross Hunter Youth Support CIC a not-for-profit organization was founded by Collet Hunter in July 2014, prior to her son's funeral, creating visual awareness of the consequences of carrying knives, she engages with the community through ongoing projects and facilitates wellbeing workshops. The motto of the organisations is “Encouraging Positive Social Values in Youths and Communities”.
A petition was launched by her in early 2018 for one day to be recognized for victims and all the organisations who continue to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable families. And victims of violence. Her work in the community has paved the way for her Wellbeing workshop now being offered in Schools and Organisations promoting mindfulness. With over 30 years working with community families and projects this has now taken on another level of care and support.
Collet also facilitates several wellbeing links including an online course to support others who are struggling with their mental wellbeing, and has recently completed, Level 2 Mental Health Awareness, Level 3 qualification in Counseling Skills and Studies. Whilst this does not make Collet a qualified counselor, it does equip her with the relevant listening, questioning and empathic rapport building skills that she believes are important in coaching and mentoring others.
Collet’s hobbies include cooking, dancing, occasional gardening, singing and going for long walks with her son.
In the year 2022 Collet received an award from the London Faith & Belief Community.
The Faith & Belief Forum is one of the UK’s leading interfaith organization and they have over 20 years’ experience of working with people of all faiths and beliefs. Their annual awards ceremony celebrates the vital work of local communities in making London a welcoming place for people of all faiths and beliefs. The ceremony will bring together local heroes and shine a light on their inspirational work. This event is supported by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London’s Council on Faith. Her work with the Lewisham Council and various housing associations has paved the way for ongoing wealth creating awareness throughout the UK.
Collet Hunter was recently voted for and was appointed Vice-Chair of the LSNB (Lewisham Safer Neighborhood Board) South East, London. She joins the Committee of MET Commands Centre, monitoring and scrutinizing the performance of Lewisham Police and helping to establish local policing and crime priorities. Provide a critical overview of local policing issues reflecting the interest and concerns of community and voluntary groups that operate within Lewisham. Provide an environment to share views and give the public of Lewisham a greater voice with regards to policing, crime and community safety’.
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