First local Affected by Suicide meeting
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A good number of people attended the first Affected by Suicide meeting to be held in Thurso by the James Support Group.
Conversation flowed very well at the session organised by Patrick and Wendy Mullery, who set up the support group after their son died from suicide. The meeting went ahead in a spacious room within the town's library on November 16.
Patrick Mullery said: "We spoke about why we were there – suicide. Some of us are bereaved by suicide, others have or had suicidal thoughts. This meeting was the first for Thurso, which has recently seen far too many suicides for such a community. We are grateful for the local support from Listening Ear, whose Davie Snashall came along with some of his JIM group."
The next meeting has already been booked and will take place at the library on Tuesday, December 14, from 6pm to 7.45pm. The meetings are free and refreshments are provided.
As a Scottish Registered Charity the group relies on people's goodwill and donations to operate the service. Anyone able to provide support so that others might be helped can do so by visiting the website at www.jamessupportgroup.com
Patrick explained: "We operate a 24/7 helpline 07563 572471, so no need to struggle alone, you can call or text anytime."
The current campaign called – It's OK not to be OK – is aimed at keeping the conversation about poor mental health and suicide high in the public domain.
A new video is released most days with a different person saying the phrase – It's OK not to be OK. This is shared across Facebook to many groups including rugby, football and shinty clubs. Talks can be given to clubs or groups who have been affected by suicide and anyone interested in taking up the offer is asked just to get in touch.
Along with monthly meetings, the Cromarty-based group offers one to one sessions in person or via Zoom, and the Facebook page is regularly updated with events.
Email: support@jamessupportgroup.com
