THE family of a teenager who committed suicide are setting up a charity to help other families who experience the same heart-breaking anguish.

Brittany Missen died the day before her 20th birthday in May at the home where she grew up in Portsmouth Road, Bursledon.

Now mother Jacqui, sisters Amber and Jade, and brother Taran, have launched The Red Lipstick Foundation in her memory.

They have already been contacted by depression sufferers as well as those coming to terms with a loved one’s suicide, saying how much their heart-felt blog has helped them.

Sister Jade wrote: “We’ve named the foundation as such as Brittany was a make-up fanatic.

“She always loved her bright red lipstick and it suited her vivacious and crazy personality.

“She was a stunning, hilarious and quirky member of our big family, and there is the biggest hole left within us.”

The Missen family eventually hope to work with Hampshire youth groups to highlight how youngsters suffering from depression can get help.

Jacqui Missen said they wanted to draw attention to what is often a taboo subject: “Sometimes you don’t know that people are depressed and may take their lives. It’s these people we want to help and educate,” she said.

Brittany’s sudden death caused an outpouring of grief at the Hedge End branch of B&Q where she worked as a supervisor.

Around 250 people attended an early-summer memorial gathering at Victoria Country Park, launching red balloons into the sky carrying messages of love.

Those who attended also brought along hundreds of Disney soft toys – a great favourite of Brittany’s.

These are now being distributed to Hampshire charities, including Naomi House Children’s Hospice.

An inquest into Brittany’s death yesterday recorded a verdict of suicide.

The Winchester court heard how she was found hanged in a dressing area next to her bedroom on the night of May 22.

Coroner Grahame Short said: “She had some underlying issues, though nothing was formally diagnosed.

“It’s clear that Brittany had a persona and that she gave the appearance of self-confidence to people. But the reality was that this wasn’t the reality of her personality.

“I think she needed the support of others. The sad part is that she didn’t feel able to ask friends and family for what she needed.”

Donations to The Red Lipstick Foundation can be made via their Facebook page of the same name, more information can be found via their blog at theredlipstickfoundation. wordpress.com.