Perthshire North MSP, John Swinney, has signed up to help promote Sue Ryder’s “online community” – part of a range of services offered by the charity in helping to provide people with the support they need when coping with grief.

Signing up to promote the online community initiative at the SNP’s Annual Conference in Glasgow, Mr Swinney met with Lorraine Linton, Community Services Area Manager for the charity, who covers the entire Perth and Kinross region, and discussed the charity’s “connecting thread” initiative. Launched earlier this year, the campaign is experiential and encourages passers-by to attach a supportive statement written on a luggage label onto a large ball of wool, designed to represent the “connecting thread” people need after suffering a loss.

Commenting, Mr Swinney said:

“Sue Ryder provide extraordinary services in order to ensure people receive the support they need the most, at one of the most difficult times in their lives.

“Having the help, and support, available from charities like Sue Ryder means nobody has to go through that pain alone, however.

“I hope more people become aware of the services available from Sue Ryder – particularly their online community which can offer a safe space to talk about what they are going through.

Whilst losing a loved one, and coping with that loss, is one of the most traumatic experiences anybody will go through, having the help and support available from charities such as Sue Ryder means that nobody should need to suffer such a loss on their own.”

Visiting the SNP’s Annual Conference in Glasgow, the Sue Ryder stall was situated in the exhibition space along with the large ball of wool that has been across the UK since the campaign was launched earlier this year. Having added his tag to the wool, Mr Swinney will shortly have Sue Ryder postcards in his constituency office providing more details about the support available for people who have suffered a loss.