A mum who lost her beloved son to suicide has bravely shared some of his last messages to her, so that others can be aware of what to look out for.
Jamie Aitchison took his own life in December last year aged just 20 after years of suffering from mental health issues and substance abuse.
It left his mum Debbieanne Marriott and all his family and friends devastated, but determined that his tragic death would not be in vain, they set up Jamie’s Sanctuary, to help young people who are in the same situation.
The charity has now launched its social channels and later this year will be offering outreach services around West Lothian.
Debbieanne has bravely shared some of Jamie’s last texts to her, so that others can be aware of what to look for when someone is thinking of taking their own life.
She said: “This is a text message that Jamie sent to me, two weeks before he took his own life.
“I post this, not to upset anyone but to show you how quickly your mental health can change when you add alcohol and drugs on top. You don’t have be an addict but if you’re struggling with your mental health and add any mood altering or mind substance into your body, this will have a major impact.
“Please take note of this and please reach out and speak out, especially men. All it takes is one message to ask for help and if I can’t help you then I promise you, I will know someone who can.”
Jamie’s Sanctuary was started by Debbieanne and Jamie’s best friend Cammy Moore to raise awareness of issues around mental health and addiction to “keep Jamie’s memory alive”.
It aims to prevention of suicide and mental health and addiction and advocacy work with young people in Scotland.
The first project will be a mental health bus that will travel to where it’s most needed and will also support other charities, like Neil’s Hugs.
Kick Mental Health has also got on board with Friday night football sessions in memory of Jamie at Blackburn Community Centre and a charity football match will also take place next month.
And to mark Mental Health Awareness Week this week, Debbieanne and Cammy are running a competition to give away self-care goodies.
Debbieanne said: “We have been so overwhelmed with the amount of support we have had over the past few months and not just with the charity but with all the love and support we have had since the loss of our Jamie Rae - Jambo to his mates.
“Words will never express the gratitude we feel so, we have decided to give this basket of self care goodies away as a thank you in aid of Mental Health Awareness Week.”
You can find the jamie's Sanctuary Facebook page here Instagram page here or email jamiessanctuary20@gmail.com
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
