The fight is on to save a vital mental health support service that was launched after a much-loved young man took his own life.

Tracey and George Rae and Lyn Milns have launched a push to preserve the Listening Post, which went live last year in response to the 2017 death of Mr and Mrs Rae’s son, Jordie, aged just 28.

The trio is now trying to raise £5,000 to keep the service going into next year - and their appeal has already reached £1,800. 

Fakenham & Wells Times: Jordie Rae, from Dereham, died in 2017 at the age of 28Jordie Rae, from Dereham, died in 2017 at the age of 28 (Image: Archant)

Mrs Milns said: “This helpline is vital. We know the town has been rocked by recent deaths and we want to do all we can to continue offering the support.

“We will raise this money no matter what. We are determined to keep this going as there is so much need for it.

“People are struggling with life issues, struggling with the cost of living crisis, an array of personal issues, and this service is here to save their lives.”

Mr Rae said: “We need to keep it going because it is so needed. It's not just Dereham, it’s towns across Norfolk that are seeing people suffer.

“It is a catch-22. It's is shocking to see the number of people suffering, but humbling to know people are using the service and seeking help and the texts are helping them to reach out to in-person support.”

The Listening Post is part of a national network called Shout, and allows people in need to get free, confidential support from a trained volunteer by text message. 

The idea for the service was developed by Mrs Milns, who volunteers at the town's  Baptist church and has long had a strong relationship with young people in the area - including Jordie.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Lyn Milns helped Tracey and George Rae bring the text support service, The Listening Post, to Dereham in 2022Lyn Milns helped Tracey and George Rae bring the text support service, The Listening Post, to Dereham in 2022 (Image: Lyn Milns)

The next fundraising event will be the Tavern Ska and Reggae Festival at the Railway Tavern in Yaxham Road on August 27.

Fakenham & Wells Times: The Railway Tavern in Dereham has hosted fundraising event for The Listening PostThe Railway Tavern in Dereham has hosted fundraising event for The Listening Post (Image: Railway Tavern)

 *Anyone feeling low or struggling to cope can access the service by texting LP to 85258.

An online fundraiser for the service can be found at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/misswhy-milns.