It was the end of an era as a Lanarkshire-based charity called it a day after a decade of helping others.
FAMS (Families Affected by Murder and Suicide) held an afternoon tea at its base in Motherwell for everyone who’d helped along the way over the previous 10 eventful years.
The charity was initially formed in Wishaw during 2013 by Ann Marie Cocozza, Roslyn McGilvray and Meg McCloy. All three women were affected by suicide or murder.
FAMS gained Scottish Charity status in 2014 and moved to a permanent base in Orbiston Street, Motherwell in 2019 – Paul Gerard’s Lighthouse, it was named after Roslyn’s son and Ann Marie’s nephew who was murdered, aged 20, in 2004.
Rooms in the centre were named in memory of Wishaw man Jim McNab; Grant McDonald; and six-year-old Alesha MacPhail from Coatbridge.
They were forced from their base in 2021 after pipes above the ceiling causing substantial damage and moved for a time into a temporary home at Motherwell Congregational Church Hall.
The charity was originally set up to support people affected by suicide and murder but broadened its network to help anyone dealing with mental health issues.
Its services were expanded during lockdown to help anyone who was struggling, providing compassionate, non-judgemental, “lived experience” peer-support.
It also raised awareness of mental health issues and ran its own FAMS.chat service for those in distress, which was manned by dozens of volunteers.
The services were all free and confidential and manned by specially trained volunteers.
Co-founder Ann Marie Cocozza, said: “We’re all getting a bit older, and decided about six months ago that we would wind down FAMS.
“It’s a full time commitment and while we’re sad we’re also relieved in some respects. We’ve dedicated 10 years of our lives to it.
“We decided to have a leaving party, a happy occasion, and whatever money we had left we would give to local charities. The sad part is the fact that no one will be able to use our unique services any more.
“We’ve had loads of accolades from different places since we made the decision but we think it’s just the right time to move on.”
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