After losing their son to suicide, a Dereham couple have harnessed their heartache to help launch a mental health support service.

Tracey and George Rae's world was turned upside down in July 2017 when their son, Jordie, 28, took his own life. 

They have hosted numerous fundraisers in Jordie's memory, with the idea of one day launching a project to help people through similar mental health battles. 

Dereham 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: Rae family)

And now, to the delight of Mr and Mrs Rae, a text service for people in Dereham called 'The Listening Post' is set to finally go live. 

Forming part of the nationwide Shout initiative, those who text 'LP' to 85258 can seek free, confidential support from a trained volunteer.

The Listening Post was originally the brainchild of Dereham Baptist Church volunteer Lyn Milns, who has long had a strong relationship with the town's youth - including Jordie. 

"It has always been in my heart to start something like this but, no matter how hard I tried, it just wasn't happening," said Mrs Milns. 

"When Jordie died it really hit me because he was so well-loved in the town. He had a heart of gold. I saw him a week before and you'd never have known what was going on in his mind.

Dereham Times: Tracey and George Rae with Love Dereham chairman Keith Mersh (left) and Dereham Baptist Church volunteer Lyn Milns (second from right)Tracey and George Rae with Love Dereham chairman Keith Mersh (left) and Dereham Baptist Church volunteer Lyn Milns (second from right) (Image: Newsquest)

"I shared my idea with Tracey and George and knew it wasn't going to sit on a shelf."

Mr Rae added: "When we first heard about the plan, our first reaction was 'let's raise some money'.

"During Covid, things had to be put on the back burner and we were quite concerned it might not happen."

Desperate to keep the dream alive, Mrs Milns enlisted the help of Love Dereham.

Keith Mersh, chairman of the social action group, and its coordinator, Athena Poole, have been instrumental in ensuring the Listening Post can finally go live on Thursday (December 15).

Dereham Times: Jordie Rae was well known across the Dereham areaJordie Rae was well known across the Dereham area (Image: Rae family)

"In my heart of hearts, I don't want anyone to text that number but, if they do, it means it's working," said Mr Rae. 

"Every time we see someone like us in the news, we personally know what they are going through - and I think that's what has spurred us on."

Mrs Rae added: "This means everything - to keep Jordan's memory alive and help other people. He was an amazing son and brother."

Anyone outside of Dereham who is in need of mental health support can text 'shout' to 85258.