A FAMILY tragedy, a willing community and a pub wall are combining to bring hope to others.

That is the prayer of Alison Oglanby whose much-loved only child, Garry-Jack took his own life in 2018.

Since then Alison has campaigned for more awareness and that message is now loud and clear – on a pub wall in Maryport.

“It changes you forever but it has inspired me with a passion to make sure that the stigma of suicide is removed and that people know how and where to get help when they are at their lowest," said Alison.

She said Garry-Jack suffered “on and off” with mental health problems and anxiety for several years.

And added: “I still feel he was let down by the NHS and we were unaware how many helplines there are out there that could have offered him the help and support he needed."

Her friend Hazel also lost her son, Thomas, to suicide around the same time as Garry-Jack’s death.

She has joined the campaign for to raise awareness around mental health and suicide and to get people talking more openly.

Alison added: “Both our lads were as deep as the ocean.”

The pair have created concertina mental health helpline cards made for adults and teens along with posters and drink mats.

“We have had pens, keyrings and other items personalised to get the SHOUT, YM (young minds) and Kooth helplines number out into the community so people are aware there is other help out there other than the NHS who have long waiting lists.”

Now there is a big mural for all to see on the wall of the Butchers Arms on Crosby street in Maryport.

The wall was 'donated' by Gary Hampson and Sophie, who run the popular pub.

There were many helpers but it was local artist Bethany Gray who came with the design.

E&S scaffolding provided the scaffolding needed to enable artists to paint the wall. And Ross Tinkler from Bell group and Bell Group apprentices, from Lakes College, helped with the painting donated by Johnstone’s Paint.

Every Life Matters a charity raising awareness around Mental health and suicide and bereavement by suicide support has some free training courses around suicide awareness, safety plans self harm awareness and more.

Check these out on their website https://www.every-life-matters.org.uk/

For the Samaritans call: 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org