Suicide prevention and support group moving into Aviemore

A suicide prevention and support group is expanding its work into Aviemore.

James Support Group was formed in April 2018 by Patrick and Wendy Mullery, of Cromarty, just six months after their son James Mullery took his own life.

Mr Mullery said: “James’ first job was valeting cars at Grants of Aviemore on a Saturday to help me when I was the showroom manager there for two years.

“The group was formed because there was no meaningful help for any of us – James’s friends and family – and this simply was not good enough.

“The first meeting was held at The Spectrum Centre in Inverness attracting 24 people which was many more than we had imagined, and proving the need for such a group.”

James Support Group became a Scottish registered charity in October, last year, and has strived to find a way to expand its support services across the Highlands which is one of the top hotspots for suicides in Europe.

Mr Mullery said: “We hold a regular monthly meeting where people can come along and know that the folk there will completely understand what you are going through.

"Whether they are a mum, dad, brother, sister, partner or friend there will be someone at the meeting with the same relationship that you had with your loved one.

“This isn’t just for people who are bereaved by suicide, it is also for those who have or had suicidal thoughts.

“They will be able to see the devastation left behind. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”

The meeting is being held on November 24 at the Aviemore Communtity Centre library from 6pm to 8pm.

It is free to attend and refreshments are provided.

Mr Mullery said he appreciates it can be tough for people to make the first step and said: “We can meet folk before the meeting and walk in together if that helps.”

The charity relies on donations and goodwill.

James Support Group has a campaign running from now until March 31, next year, which is the peak period for suicides in the Highlands.

The charity releases a video each day of a different person saying “It’s OK not to be OK” to keep suicide and poor mental health high in the public domain.

Please send in your clip saying the phrase “It’s OK not to be OK” by email to support@jamessupportgroup.com

The charity also runs a 24/7 helpline: 07563 572471

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