HELENSBURGH'S MSP has given her backing to a Scottish Parliament motion highlighting the support available for bereaved people.

Jackie Baillie joined MSPs from all parties in promoting the work of the national healthcare charity, Sue Ryder, as part of Death Awareness Week.

When struggling with grief after the death of a loved one, people often feel isolated and unsupported.

Ms Baillie said: “Support by charities like Sue Ryder is vital for people who are struggling to come to terms with the death of a family member or someone they were close to.

"Their online community – where people go to for support from others in similar situations – is proving to be an invaluable tool for people who are feeling isolated.

"People who use it feel more able to cope and less alone so I would urge anyone who thinks they’d benefit to give it a try.”

Pamela Mackenzie, Sue Ryder’s Scotland Director, said: “Originally designed for people approaching the end of life, our online community has evolved to become more of a support for people who have lost someone they care for.

"People who use the service are going through a wide range of experiences, many of which are extremely difficult, and the support offered by community members to each other is immense.”

Sue Ryder’s online support community is available at sueryder.org/support

More details on Death Awareness Week 2017 can be found at www.goodlifedeathgrief.org.uk/content/awareness-week-2017/