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Highland support group for people affected by suicide to expand across region


By Val Sweeney

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Wendy and Patrick Mullery.
Wendy and Patrick Mullery.

A Highland charity which helps support those affected by suicide is planning to hold more meetings across a wider area this year – including in Caithness.

James Support Group – which was set up in 2017 by Patrick and Wendy Mullery, who live in Cromarty, following the tragic death of their son James, a father-of-three, to suicide at the age of just 28 – gained Scottish charity status last year.

Since setting up the group, they have been working to help and support others who have found themselves in a similar situation.

Previously, they had been able to hold monthly meetings in Inverness but they will cover the whole of the Highlands once the Covid-19 restrictions are eased.

As well as the Highland capital they are hoping to hold sessions for groups in Thurso, Tain, Alness, Dingwall, Nairn and Aviemore.

As the period between October and April is the peak time for mental health issues they are hoping to raise awareness of the issue and what the support group can offer over the next few months.

Mr Mullery said: "We also plan family days, concentrating on children who are bereaved by suicide because they need support too.

"The winter is always a particularly bad time for many, with short daylight hours and loneliness/isolation, your mental health and wellbeing can take a pounding.

"We must all be aware of our neighbours, friends and anyone that we know is living alone."

He said the added problems with the ongoing pandemic also made the next few months a "real concern", adding: "So please be vigilant and mindful of others."


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