Grieving Linwood dad urges young people to speak out about their mental health

A grieving father is pleading with young Buddies to seek help with their mental health just months after his soon took his own life.Barry Harkins, who has battled his own mental health problems since childhood, is sharing his heartbreaking experience as he continues to raise funds for Kickin’ On during Children’s Mental Health Week 2024.The 49-year-old never sought help for his depression until May last year despite suicide attempts and years isolating himself from others.Last month he cycled 1,000km and walked in excess of 300,000 steps in a bid to raise funds for mental health and suicide prevention charity Kickin’ On.The Linwood man has been attending the organisation’s peer support groups since September after the loss of his eldest child Jordan.“It took me almost 35 years to seek help and that was primarily down to my partner telling me something I needed to hear,” he said.“That and I’d practically screamed at the kids for no reason which made me realise I needed help whether I wanted it or not.Renfrewshire Live, the new free app dedicated to bringing you around the clock breaking news, is now available to download.Powered by the Paisley Daily Express, Renfrewshire Live is your go-to source for news, features and sport with live coverage provided direct to the app, seven days a week.The dedicated team of experienced journalists, responsible for the publication of the award-winning Express, will focus on breaking news, day and night, across Renfrewshire’s towns and villages.There is also a dedicated St Mirren section that will follow every kick of the ball with the Buddies. Available on both Android and Apple.