Suicide support group expands to offer services across the Highlands
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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 & join in, or just listen - there is no pressure to speak.
"If you have had suicidal thoughts you are also welcome, this is where you can witness the devastation left behind for the friends & 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.”
The Highlands has a very high suicide rate in Scotland, and it only increases in the winter months.
Dr. Nicola Urquhart, clinical psychologist and trustee of James’ Support Group said: “Research suggests the grieving process is characterised by agonising questioning and a search for some explanation of what has happened. There can be a strong sense of shock, rejection, abandonment and stigma.
“James’ Support Group facilitates the coming together of those bereaved by suicide in the Highlands. At our group people can meet others who have been bereaved by suicide. There is an opportunity to listen, share, ask questions and to connect with others.
“We know it takes courage to come to a group. You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to – many people do not the first time. People often find that they can also offer support to others.”
More details can be found on the website.
