James's Support Group aims to get men talking more
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A MENTAL health support group which meets in Inverness is launching two new initiatives specifically aimed at helping men.
James’s Support Group, which is run by Patrick and Wendy Mullery of Cromarty in memory of their son, who committed suicide aged 28, held events this week.
The charity helps people bereaved by suicide as well as those who have had suicidal thoughts. On Sunday they held their first breakfast club at The Mercure Hotel which was aimed at encouraging men to talk more.
Mr Mullery said everyone chatted 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 that as well as information about planned events, the site also includes contact information for many organisations who provide help and support.
On Monday 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 while 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 will be at male-dominated events over the winter period, the peak time for suicides. Mr Mullery said: “You will find us at Ross County throughout this period and the next match will be against Celtic on December 1.”
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