A man who tried to take his own life after struggles with mental health says a Facebook group saved his life.
Ian Whittingham, 39, had turned to alcohol and drugs during a rough time with work-related stress and suicidal thoughts.
He said he felt like "life wasn't worth living" when he tried to end his life in May 2019.
During his recovery, Ian was recommend a Facebook group where people could go for a friendly chat with those in a similar position, or otherwise.
Ian, who lives in Liverpool, says the 'Never Be Lonely Again' group has "brought him back to the way he used to be."
He told the ECHO that without the support, he doesn't think he would still be here today.
"Last May, I tried to take my own life and then I was sectioned for a month," Ian said.
"I struggle with my mental health, I have suicidal thoughts every day, they don't go away.
"I've had a lot of therapy and I try to use the tools I've been given, but I struggle in day to day life.
"I had no support around me, I felt like life wasn't worth living and then a friend got me in touch with NBLA (Never Be Lonely Again group) and I joined the Facebook group whilst I was in the mental health hospital.
"A week or two went by and then I got a surprise visit from the admins, they had come to see me and had brought me loads of goodies.
"That's when I really became part of NBLA."
Whilst Ian was getting support from other services, he said the Facebook group was another outlet to talk to people and that even general chit-chat made him "a happier person in himself."
He said: "The support I had off them whilst I was in there was constant, it was everyday, there was always somebody talking to me which I needed at that time.
"It was messaging on Facebook, asking 'how are you, do you need somebody to come in and see you' and when I got out of the mental health hospital that support carried on."
Helplines and websites
Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.
For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk
CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk
Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org
For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/
Even now in times of struggle, Ian said "without having NBLA and having that support around me, I don't think I'd be here."
He said: "Back in October and November I took two big overdoses because I didn't want to be here, I was a mess.
"I must have contacted NBLA whilst doing it. I'd given up.
"I had admin at my flat, police there, an ambulance outside.
"They [admin] came with me to the hospital as well. I had no support at that time, I think I pushed people away because of my mental health."
Ian has now began charity work with other members of the group, participating in coffee mornings, bag packs and fundraising for camping trips.
Nicola Marsh, 49, from Prescot, set up the NBLA group in 2018 following the death of both her parents and losing friends who took their own lives.
Nicola told the ECHO: "'It took me about three minutes to set up the group and it just blew up and got more and more people in it.
"We started with about 50 members, then it got to 250 and now we have over 3,700.
"If anyone needs to talk we'll just message them and talk to them like any other person.
"We also talk to them on the group wall where other members can offer support through their experiences."
The social network group is there to offer 24 hour on the spot support to people who feel they need a friendly chat.
And some admins and members are also trained in counselling and signpost members to relevant services if needed.
Nicola said: "I lost my mum and my dad and I looked after my dad for years after my mum had passed away, so it was somewhere for me to turn to as well.
"Our biggest compliment is that it's the nicest group on Facebook ever. People say they've never seen a group like it.
"We look at every single comment on every single post and one word of nastiness the comment goes and the member gets a warning, as that's not what the group is about
Members of the group are from over 100 different cities across the world.
