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Suicide support group with roots on Black Isle expands to offer services across the Highlands


By Imogen James

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Wendy and Patrick Mullery.
Wendy and Patrick Mullery.

James' Support Group was set up by Patrick and Wendy Mullery after their son died from suicide.

The Cromarty-based group became a registered charity last year, and offer support groups and a 24-hour helpline to support people who have been affected by suicide.

The free meetings are now expanding to cover a wider area - Thurso, Nairn, Aviemore and Inverness.

Mr Mullery said: “Our face to face meetings are at last being rolled out across the Highlands. These are important events giving a safe place to talk, to be heard and to be understood by others who know exactly what you are going through having been bereaved by suicide.

"If you are bereaved by suicide you are welcome to come along and join in, or just listen – there is no pressure to speak.

James' parents set up the charity in his honour.
James' parents set up the charity in his honour.

"If you have had suicidal thoughts you are also welcome, this is where you can witness the devastation left behind for the friends and family of the bereaved. We offer a two-hour session at each location and one to one sessions are available at each meeting.

"This kind of ‘lived experience’ support was not available to my family when the tragedy of James taking his own life happened in October 2017. If it had been I am convinced that the hundreds of suicides here in the Highlands in the last four years would be significantly less. We hope to make a difference to those who are suffering - they are no longer unsupported.”

More details can be found on the website.

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