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.