Inverness-based James’ Support Group is using Sport Support to help with mental health
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An Inverness-based Highland-wide mental health charity has launched a new initiative aimed at helping young people.
James’ Support Group is now running Sport Support which is described as a proactive way of reaching young people – the main demographic at risk of poor mental health and suicide.
The charity, which is run by Patrick and Wendy Mullery, from Cromarty, will be contacting all sport organisations/groups/teams across the Highlands to take part.
Mr Mullery (61) said it is aimed at all sports including boxing, shinty, football, rugby, basketball, golf, netball, cricket, tennis and squash.
He said it has been made possible through £4700 in funding from Highland Cares, adding: “We are a charity actively fighting poor mental health, suicidal thoughts and bereavement by suicide – we realised that boxing has lost five people to suicide in five years, and shinty has lost the same in as many years.”
Mr Mullery said it would be rolled out across the Highlands in places such as Inverness, Thurso, Invergordon, Newtonmore, Aviemore, Forres, Elgin and Nairn. He added: “In fact anywhere there is an active sports team.
“We have visited Invergordon Rugby Club and Inverness City Boxing Club and both were very receptive and grateful for our effort.
“By the time this goes to print we will have been to Inverness Lions basketball – that’ll take us to well over 100 young people contacted and made aware of the help and support available.”
He said that the support group is currently very busy, adding: “The NHS is struggling as everyone knows – we, along with many other third sector/charity organisations are trying to plug the gaps in service and particularly support.
“We hope to expand our monthly meetings to Ullapool, Fort William and Grantown, literally bringing support to communities – we are just waiting on funding to help with this.
“All of the meeting venues are well attended – they fluctuate of course, Aviemore is the exception even though there have recently been suicides and attempts in the area, so we have changed this meeting to an appointment system so we do not waste the precious charity funds.”
Traditionally, October to March is the peak period for suicides and Mr Mullery said it was important that we should all be aware of this.
He said: “Short days and long periods of darkness naturally affect all of us, so does loneliness, isolation, money worries, the pressures of Christmas, job stability, home life- relationships and security.”
• The group runs a helpline which is open throughout the festive period. Contact it by calling 07563 572471.
