Plea for more mental health support after young Inverness father takes his own life
The body of Daniel Brown was found by a walker in woods on the outskirts of Inverness, close to his home in Cradlehall – just days before he and his family were due to start a new life on Benbecula.
The 26-year-old former soldier, who had long-standing mental health problems, had previously tried to kill himself on five occasions.
Partner Sara Archer believes Mr Brown's death illustrates the pressing need for more support to be available including a drop-in safe haven for people to get help in Inverness – a project currently being proposed by the suicide prevention charity Mikeysline.
"More money needs to be made available to help people like Daniel," said the 30-year-old self-employed nail technician.
"He knew he had demons from the past. Daniel had tried seeking help several times. He had mental health issues and he was distraught.
"Five times he tried to kill himself. He had it in his head he wanted to die. He wanted to forget."
Although Mr Brown had spent time in Inverness's New Craigs Psychiatric Hospital and Osprey House, an addiction centre,Turn to page 2Ms Archer felt they had not provided the help and support her partner needed.
His plight was highlighted in the Highland News and Inverness Courier two months ago after a mystery Samaritan saved his life when he was alone in the early hours on the Kessock Bridge. The unknown cyclist stopped to chat to Mr Brown, who was contemplating suicide, and saw him on his way.
Ms Archer said the family – including Mr Brown's two-year-old daughter, Kaila, and nine-year-old stepson, Kieran – had planned to move to Benbecula this week but under the circumstances that was no longer happening.
"It was somewhere that was fresh and new," she said.
"It was somewhere no one knew us. It was to be a fresh start for me and him."
Having already arranged to give up their rented flat in the city, she and her children have now found themselves homeless and have been placed in emergency accommodation.
"My daughter doesn't know what is happening," she said.
"She just cries out for her daddy. At nine years old, my son has been a rock."
Meanwhile, an online appeal set up by a friend of the family with the aim of raising £2000 was well on its way to reaching its target yesterday. Ms Archer, who was not involved in setting it up, said the money would be used to help the children.
Ms Archer and Mr Brown had been together for five years.
"He was my best friend," she said.
"We had no secrets and we told no lies."
Mr Brown had previously served with the Black Watch and completed a tour in Afghanistan.
"He served his country," she said.
"He loved everyone. If anyone came to him with a problem, he would be the first to help."
Ron Williamson, the founder of Mikeysline, voiced his sympathy for Ms Archer.
"Our hearts go out to Sara and the children at this tragic time," he said.
"I feel sad Daniel was unable to reach out to talk about his problems and it does highlight the need for young people to seek help and to try to share their problems."
Mikeysline, a volunteer-run text-for-help service, was set up two years ago following the tragic death of two friends Martin Shaw and Michael "Mikey" Williamson.
Mr Williamson now has ambitions to create a safe haven where people feeling suicidal can seek help.
Dubbed The Hive Project, it would have a café-like environment and be open in the evenings and on the weekends. He is hoping to create facilities with one-to-one counselling rooms, a reception, and a large meeting room.
He has identified empty premises on Academy Street but still needs to secure £120,000 to set it up and run the project in its first year.
To donate to The Hive Project visit www.gofundme.com
help-make-the-hivelive. For more information on the charity and how to get in touch visit www.mikeysline.co.uk or for help, text 07779 303 303.Anyone affected by this story can also seek support from the Samaritans on 01463 713 456 (local call charges apply) or 116 123 (free).
