Mum of much-loved Sunderland university student who took his own life sets up support group for parents

The mum of a much-loved Sunderland university student who took his own life has set up a support group to help bereaved families.
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An inquest into his death at Sunderland Coroner’s Court ruled that Thomas intended to take his own life.

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Senior Coroner Derek Winter said there was no particular ‘trigger’ for his tragic actions.

Thomas Jackson with mum Lisa Jackson.Thomas Jackson with mum Lisa Jackson.
Thomas Jackson with mum Lisa Jackson.

The popular young man from Maltby in South Yorkshire, was studying media at the University of Sunderland and had ambitions to be a screenwriter.

Following Thomas’ death, mum Lisa Jackson, 41, and dad Alan, 52, urged those who are struggling to seek help.

Since then, Lisa has undergone training to be a mental health first aider and now she has set up an Facebook support group called Grieving Parents Support.

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Lisa founded the group with medium Kevin Taylor, who had passed on a message from Thomas saying that she needed to help other families who are struggling with loss.

Thomas Jackson was a much-loved Sunderland university student.Thomas Jackson was a much-loved Sunderland university student.
Thomas Jackson was a much-loved Sunderland university student.

Mum Lisa said: “I had a medium reading about six months ago where Thomas told me that I have to help other parents.

"So I have set up a peer-to-peer support group on Facebook and I am channelling my energy into that now.

"I am just trying to reach out to as many parents as I can.

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"It is not just a group for those who have lost someone to suicide, it is for any death.

"We have people on there who have lost babies and a mother who lost her daughter to Covid.

"The message is that it doesn’t matter how they died, the pain feels the same and that we are all going through this together.”

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The group already has 69 members since it was set up at the start of January, with some members as far away as India.

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Lisa sends messages to members each day and checks up on them to offer support or point them in the direction of charities or services that can help.

She also hopes to travel to Sunderland and other parts of the country, when Coronavirus restrictions allow, so that she can hold face-to-face meetings with people who need support.

"I just want to honour my son’s memory,” she said.

“It is coming up to the one year anniversary since his death and it has been a difficult year but we are getting stronger.

"I miss him terribly and still don’t understand it. I don’t think I ever will."

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Lisa praised Thomas’ friends in Sunderland for their “amazing” support throughout this difficult time.

The University of Sunderland were among those who helped the family to cover funeral costs, donating £2,000 towards a Go Fund Me appeal which raised £3,500 for the service.

To join the support group visit Grieving Parents Support on Facebook.

The Samaritans free helpline is available 24 hours a day from any phone on 116 123 (this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).

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