Lani Tebbutt, a 25-year-old from Northamptonshire, founded Breaking Silence two years ago to provide mental health support through the shared love of cars. The club aims to create a space where people can meet others, share experiences, and connect, helping them find the motivation to leave their homes and make new friends.
The club organizes monthly car meets in collaboration with the charity Workbridge, a part of St Andrew’s mental health charity, at its retail space on Bedford Road, Northampton. Tebbutt explained that initially, attendees would stay for just 10 to 15 minutes, but now many stay for the entire event, engaging in conversations and building relationships.
Breaking Silence grew out of Tebbutt’s Instagram account, where she posted car photography alongside motivational quotes. After receiving messages from followers expressing how much the posts helped them, she began receiving requests to turn the account into a car group. As demand grew, she made the group official, despite not owning a car herself.
“Owning a car is not necessary to join,” Tebbutt clarified. “What matters is that you show up. Even if you don’t openly express struggling with mental health, just showing up is a big step.”
One of the club’s members, Luke Drewry from Northampton, found comfort in Breaking Silence after facing depression following the death of his father. “Talking to therapists was difficult for me, but Breaking Silence was different. It’s centered around something I enjoy—cars—and I feel understood by others who’ve had similar struggles.”
The events also raise funds for St Andrew’s and The Lowdown charities. Michelle Kite, retail manager at Workbridge, emphasized the impact of these funds on the organization’s work. “The support from these car meets helps us provide care to those in need, even if the attendees don’t realize it,” Kite said. “It’s a safe, inclusive space, and many people from St Andrew’s attend because it’s a chance to enjoy something positive in their day.”
Breaking Silence continues to thrive, proving that community and a shared passion can play a vital role in supporting mental health.
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