The Angus-based moderator of the Church of Scotland has spoken of his “admiration” for the mother of tragic Scottish songwriter Scott Hutchison.
Retired teacher Marion Hutchison said her son, who took his own life in May 2018, could be alive today if he had access to the right mental health support services.
She has set up charity Tiny Changes, after a lyric in one of Scott’s songs, to help more people in need.
Arbroath minister Rt Rev Dr Fair, a committed fan of Scott’s band Frightened Rabbit, spoke to Marion to raise awareness about the help that is available for those struggling with their mental health.
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland highlighted official figures that showed there were 784 probable suicides in Scotland in 2018 of which 581 were men.
Dr Fair said: “I have nothing but admiration for Marion – her courage in the face of such a tragedy and her commitment to see things change.
“Covid-19 has had a serious detrimental effect on mental health and we need statutory and voluntary services like Tiny Changes like never before.
“The name of the charity is inspired by a Frightened Rabbit song lyric which reads ‘While I’m alive, I’ll make tiny changes to earth.’
“Just imagine all of us being more aware, doing something to make a difference. Lots of tiny changes add up to big change.”
He decided he could no longer stand idly by and do nothing and last year oversaw the rollout of three mental health support services at St Andrew’s Parish Church in Arbroath, where he is the minister.
The community choir, a therapeutic garden and a drop-in service is delivered by the congregation’s social action project, Havilah.
Mrs Hutchison shared her thoughts in the latest episode of It’s a Fair Question with Dr Martin, broadcast on social media.
She said: “Scott was probably best known as the lead singer, songwriter of Frightened Rabbit.”
“But to me and to his family and to his close friends, he was just the most creative, the funniest, the most honest and the kindest person that I’ve ever met.”
She said her middle son felt safe, secure and loved in the family home while growing up but found social situations difficult.
“Scott was certainly in quite a dark place during the last couple of months of his life but the rest of the time he wasn’t, it was intermittent.
“He had a great life and he followed his dream, he reached out to people and it’s just so sad that he didn’t have the help, he didn’t know where to go.
“If Scott had got the help when he needed it and had somewhere to go in his head or physically when he was struggling, I believe that he would have had a good chance,” she added.
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