Black Isle support group aims to get men talking
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A SUPPORT group which was set up by a Black Isle couple is launching two new initiatives specifically aimed at helping men.
James's Support Group, which is run by Patrick and Wendy Mullery who live in Cromarty, held two events this week which organisers are hoping will continue.
The charity helps people bereaved by suicide as well as those who have had suicidal thoughts.
On Sunday, November 17 they held their first breakfast club at The Mercure Hotel which was aimed at encouraging men to talk more.
Mr Mullery said everyone chatted from start to finish and added: "We plan to hold another breakfast club during January. Details will be posted on our Facebook page and also on the new website."
He said the website now has a feature which allowed people to make donations, as well as information about planned events and contact information for many local and national organisations who provided help and support.
On Monday, November 18 the group held its first Games, Giggles and Craic evening in Cromarty and Mr Mullery said: "Again this is just for guys to get together for the craic, games and a blether.
"Both of these events are firsts, and an attempt to get guys to meet up, talk and socialise whilst having some fun. We all have mental health and physical health, the trouble is you can’t necessarily see poor mental health, and guys are generally not great at talking – this is evident in the fact that three quarters of suicides are by men.
"By giving the guys somewhere safe to get together we hope to help improve social connections within our community and local areas."
The group has also been raising its profile at male-dominated events over the winter period – the peak time for suicides is between October and March. Mr Mullery said: "You will find us at Ross County throughout this period and the next match will be against Celtic on December 1."
They rely solely on donations and recently Lynne Laird made a donation of £2195 which was raised when she took part in a 10,000ft tandem skydive together with husband Alexander, both of High Street in Invergordon, Robert Begg and Greg Wilson, both of Alness.
Regular group meetings are held on the last Sunday of the month, between 11am and 1pm, at The Mercure Hotel in Inverness – it is free and includes parking and refreshments.
For further information visit www.jamessupportgroup.com/index.asp
