A BARRY mum has organised a public meeting to address the issue of mental health among young people in Barry.
Rachael Degaetano is inviting anyone who can offer advice and potential solutions – whether it be sending people into schools or colleges or providing a supportive phone line or something else – to reducing the risk of young people in the town attempting to harm themselves.
Mrs Degaetano’s 21-year-old son Chae committed suicide in April 2015.
The mum-of-four said: “I just want to meet and see what other people think, if there's anything we can do. I can't sit back and do nothing
“Anyone can attend. At present I want to get to her at together with like-minded people and see if there is anything we can do to help these young people. Whether that be sending people into schools, colleges etc, providing a phone line for them to have someone to talk to. Whatever...to help.”
She added: “I want to stop another child/young adult ending their life, because they see no other way out. I want people who feel the same as I do to attend to see if they have ideas on how we can help those who need help. I have a specific age group I want to aim at, but why will they come to us? What will make us different from say the Samaritans?”
“I just need to help, but I don't know how.”
The meeting will be held in the Jenner Rooms, Jenner Park Stadium at 7pm on Monday, January 22.
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