THE Lee family in Trillick recently held a charity car wash and raffle at their home in memory of their son and brother, Daniel, who died by suicide on July 1, 2019.

His parents and brothers wanted to help raise money to support others like Daniel who are struggling with mental ill health.

They chose to support Inspire and, in particular, are choosing to fund a new pilot scheme, which aims to help young people care for their mental health.

Available to 14-24-year-olds, Bright Future is an independent and confidential professional counselling service led by Inspire, in partnership with four GP surgeries in the Omagh and Fintona areas.

Following referral by one of the participating practices, Bright Future provides a young person with up to 12 online or face-to-face counselling sessions, during which they will build effective coping strategies and explore emotions, thoughts and feelings.

The service can assist with a range of issues, from home life and pressures at school, to bullying, relationship problems and substance misuse.

Family members and carers may also access up to three sessions, offering important advice and signposting information.

Omagh GP Dr. Eimear Darcy, whose surgery, Grange Family Practice, is availing of the service, said: “We are delighted to engage with Bright Future, which offers guidance and support focusing on good mental health to our local teenagers and young people in difficulty.

“Our teenage and early adulthood years are a formative time for the building of robust mental health foundations, so this service will help empower people to grow emotionally and will give them the tools to maintain good mental health for many years to come.”

Following their car wash and raffle on Saturday, July 3, the family were delighted to present Danielle Sheridan, Fundraising Manager for Inspire, with £1,300 as a result of their superb fundraising efforts.

Thanking the family and all who had supported their fundraiser, she said: “We are so grateful to the Lee family for supporting Inspire and using their grief to support others who are struggling.

“Their support for the Bright Futures service will ensure we can support more young people and their families.”

For further information on fundraising for Inspire, email fundraising@inspirewellbeing.org.