Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie visited Sunflowers Suicide Support in Stonehouse yesterday to talk about its important work and how the team has responded to the Covid pandemic.

Ms Baillie met with one of the founding members of the charity, Abbie Warren.

They discussed how the organisation helps provide grieving families with the support they need following the news a loved one has died due to suicide.

Abbie told Ms Baillie that Sunflowers, which is based in The Counting House at Bonds Hill, has been busier in the last month and their assistance is called upon more frequently.

Stroud's MP visited the charity ahead of tomorrow’s international World Mental Health Day, which aims to raise awareness about mental health education and advocacy.

“I felt very humbled to hear more about the tremendous work this charity does to help those left grieving due to the sudden death of a loved one through suicide and the personal reasons Sunflowers was set up. The charity is rightly well loved and respected throughout Gloucestershire and beyond,” said Ms Baillie.

“It is particularly important, as World Mental Health Day comes around, to thank the many local experts and groups who are supporting people and families all year round with their mental health as well as having sometimes difficult conversations as a society about the impact of mental health.

“Sunflowers is also looking for a space with two good size rooms to enable it to hold training sessions and adhere to covid restrictions.

"If anyone can help then please get in touch either with my office so I can pass it on, or directly with Sunflowers.”

Abbie thanked Ms Baillie for visiting and added that small things, like a smile, can make a difference to another person’s mental wellbeing.

“It is as important to look after our mental health as it is our physical health,” she said.

“Finding small ways to be mindful every day is incredibly beneficial for our mental wellbeing. Everyone can play a part in uplifting and connecting with others. Never underestimate the power of a smile or a hello.”