A WOMAN who started a charity after the tragic suicide of her teenage daughter has praised the community support she has received.

Pauline Moriarty set up East Ayrshire-based Beautiful Inside & Out in May 2014 after 13-year-old Jenna took her own life.

The charity provides counselling and support for bereaved parents of suicide victims as well as help for families and youngsters experiencing trauma in their lives.

Many people have been helped as the charity evolved into a group that addresses the needs of the many individuals who receive support from them.

It would not have been possible though, without the backing of businesses, organisations, establishments and individuals that have shown support in many different ways.

Ms Moriarty spoke frankly about Jenna’s suicide in June 2013, saying: “In the aftermath, we were left feeling isolated and devastated. We struggled to find support from professional bodies for ourselves or for Jenna’s five-year-old sister.

“I needed to ensure that other bereaved parents and siblings of suicide victims, as well as troubled souls are given immediate support and so Beautiful Inside & Out provides music therapy, counselling, with the forthcoming introduction of different types of informal support, with friendships and a support network being developed, that may last far beyond the therapy.”

Auchinleck MP Alan Brown and his party colleague, MSP Willie Coffey, are in contact with the charity regularly and always take a close interest in its work.

Mr Brown said: “It was inspirational meeting with Pauline and hearing about the charity that she has set up and the fantastic support it has given to young people and bereaved parents with the provision of counselling sessions.

“I am always amazed how some people use adversity to channel their energies into helping others faced with similar difficulties, which in this case can be lifesaving.”