Hope springs from bonds of grief

AMANwho lost his younger brother to suicide this year has joined forces with a mother who lost her son.

Mitch McPherson and Amanda Cuthbertson feel their loss gives them a special passion to help and a strong sense of purpose.

Mr McPherson, 25, a glazier, lost his brother Ty, 18, in January.

Mrs Cuthbertson lost son Albert in 2010 to suicide when he was 16.

She now dreams of having a safe house called Albie House built as a refuge for young people and those left behind.

Mr McPherson has designed stickers that say ‘‘Speak Up. Stay ChatTY’’ with the focus on the TY for his brother Ty.

The $1 sticker cost will go towards the project.

‘‘My long-term plan is for a non-clinical, 24-hour-a-day environment for kids,’’ said Mrs Cuthbertson, who has two other children.

Sometimes siblings had difficulty grieving at home, she said.

‘‘Parents can be watching them like a hawk. They can have somewhere to go too.

‘‘Sometimes there just aren’t any signs. There was no sign with Albert, no depression.’’

Mr McPherson said it was similar with Ty. ‘‘It was a complete shock. I think sometimes you have to dig a little deeper. If they’re not 100 per cent, ask them again.

‘‘Initially the stickers were to lift people’s spirits, but it’s also to raise awareness.

‘‘I want to promote ‘stay chatTY’ and I’m hoping to be able to speak at schools.’’

Mrs Cuthbertson said she and Mr McPherson had something that most professionals did not have.

‘‘People will listen because we’ve lived it. We can do something positive,’’ she said.

See www.albiehouse.com.au

If you or someone close to you is suffering from a mental health condition, including depression, help is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14. The KidsHelpline number is 1800 55 1800 and is aimed at people 5 to 25.