The family of a popular young man from West Belfast is campaigning to set up a crisis a rehab centre in his memory.
Jack Brennan died from drug addiction and mental illness - his mother Lorraine found her son on the floor of his Glen Road apartment on January 18, 2021.
The 23-year-old had been battling drug addiction after starting to take cannabis when he was a teenager. Lorraine says he also took other drugs including heroin.
Read more: Belfast mum's pledge to help others after son's death following drugs battle
On Sunday, ahead of World Mental Health Day, Jack's family and friends were joined by other families affected by addiction and suicide, to walk together, to highlight the need for a local rehab and crisis centre.
His family said: "We need a rehab and a crisis centre here. Our young people matter. It is a basic human right to receive care if you suffer with [mental health issues, suicide or addiction]. Things can only change if we stick together and demand that our children get the help they so desperately need and want."
Posting to the Jack Brennan Forever page on July 18, Lorraine remembered her son for the love he shared with others, his talented poetry skills, and care for animals and the planet.
Sharing photos of Jack, she wrote: "This is my son. He's not just a drug addict who didn't matter. Not a waster, a druggie, a junkie. All derogatory words from tongues that cut deeper than a knife. He despised himself because of what it was doing to his family, he didn't want to be a drug addict.
"He wrote letters and poems. He loved his family and friends. He loved animals and cared so much about the planet. He is loving, kind and non judgemental. He desperately wanted and needed help. He was neglected by the system because no one cares.
"So many friends and family came to my home to pay their respects. The kindness was overwhelming but just proved he wasn't just a drug addict. He said to me "mummy I'm a broken soul".
"Drugs tormented him. I can't tell you the pain I will always be in without him. If it wasn't for my kids I wouldn't be here believe me. You can't come close to imagining this pain sadly you can only know it. Please sign and share my petition below. So many young people need help. We need a rehab and crisis centre."
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn walked alongside families on Sunday.
She said: "Drug deaths are continuing to rise and they continue to have a devastating impact in our communities. Sunday's walk was organised by the family of Jack Brennan to mark World Mental Health Day and to highlight the need for more addiction services.
"Sinn Féin fully support the Brennan family’s ongoing campaign for a wraparound rehabilitation unit in Belfast. We need an executive in place to help deliver on this."
A Department of Health spokesperson told Belfast Live: "Minister Swann has met with a number of families who have been bereaved by issues related to mental health, substance use, and homelessness.
"Minister Swann believes it is essential that all Ministers and Departments work together to address the underlying causes of substance use and tackle the issues that are linked to poor health outcomes, such as poor mental health, homelessness, engagement with the Justice system and loneliness. It is only by working holistically across all these areas that we will create the conditions to help prevent such tragic circumstances.
"Following a number of further requests, Minister Swann has asked officials to liaise with colleagues in other government departments with a view to setting up a joint engagement event for families, including the Brennan family, to share their stories, and to influence work that is ongoing and planned in this area.
"Planning for this meeting currently is underway."
Jack Brennan's petition has attracted over 3,000 signatures. You can sign it through this link.
*For anyone in distress or despair, contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 or visit www.lifelinehelpline.info
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