Our Story...
On 12th July 2026, our lives changed forever. Our beautiful son, Freddie Mitchell (9th May 1993 – 12th July 2026), died suddenly at just 33 years of age. Like every family, we knew Freddie's strengths, his flaws, his dreams and his struggles. He wasn't defined by any one of them. He was funny, compassionate, kind, and generous, unbelievably stubborn, and had a smile that could light up a room. He made friends wherever he went, loved the countryside, tractors, music, and being with the people he loved. He had a heart bigger than most, even when life felt impossibly hard. Freddie also lived with ADHD. Like far too many adults, he experienced emotional overwhelm and, struggled with alcohol and substance misuse. These challenges touched every part of his life, but they never defined the man he was.
His story has also made us realise something else. Over the years, we have seen how difficult it can be for people and their families to navigate ADHD, mental health support, addiction services, healthcare, housing, benefits and community organisations. Time and time again, we found ourselves asking the same question:
Why isn’t anyone joining the dots?
Every service has an important role to play, but too often people are left trying to navigate a complicated system on their own, at the very moment they are least able to do so.
We believe there has to be a better way. That is why Fred’s Place is being created. To raise awareness. To fight for earlier assessments and reassessments. To support men struggling with ADHD, emotional overwhelm, mental health challenges and substance misuse. To turn our “what ifs” into someone else’s second chance. Behind every addiction is a person. Behind every diagnosis is a son, a daughter, a brother, a sister, a partner, a friend. Someone deeply loved.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
Caroline, Kevin and Freddie’s family
