A TEAM of big-hearted staff from an Inverclyde housing provider have given a helping hand to a lifeline service to raise awareness of lives lost to suicide. 

Cloch Housing Association employees hosted a bake sale and raffle to generate money for the Inverclyde branch of Samaritans. 

Led by community health and wellbeing officer Patricia Broom, staff raised £180 in support of a member of the Cloch team who recently lost a relative to suicide. 

Stephen Meechan of Inverclyde Samaritans thanked the compassionate workers for taking time to think about the service as part of National Suicide Prevention Month. 

He added: "We are over the moon. 

"This will help us so much with the different costs that we have. 

"A small team raising this amount of money in a short space of time is fantastic. 

"We have to get out there and raise money for ourselves, so we're so thankful to the team for thinking of us."

Cloch employee Patricia decided to host the bake sale after a meditation session in the office as part of Cloch's focus on the health and wellbeing of its staff. 

She contacted Stephen at Samaritans and ran the event to coincide with National Suicide Prevention Month in September. 

The event raised almost £200.

Patricia, who is a suicide and mental health First Aider, said: "When I reached out to the Samaritans, they were so grateful that we had thought of them and that we wanted to get involved. 

"We hosted a bake sale and a raffle, and then I made another six cupcakes and raffled them off as well. 

"I'm so proud of all the staff, I don't have the words for just how proud I am. 

"They've really stepped up again and have made sure we've raised money for a good local cause."

Stephen and his colleague Jean Rodger are based at the Inverclyde Samaritans branch in Greenock. 

Stephen said the team are enjoying getting out into the community and raising awareness. 

He added: "Over the last two years, have been more than 30 suicides across Inverclyde. 

"We want to do everything we can to prevent another suicide."

Jean added: "We are always full of admiration for someone who is brave enough to call us, as it's a sign of hope."

Anyone who needs the Samaritans' help can reach out by calling 116 123 or by paying a visit to the charity's Greenock branch base in the town's Cathcart Street.

People can also seek support by emailing jo@samaritans.org.