A NEW weekly peer support group for people with depression and other mental health issues is due to start in Skipton this evening.

Organised by the charity, Peer Talk, which runs a network of peer support groups across the country, the Skipton group meets for the first time today and will take place on a weekly basis on Monday evenings at The Hub, Skipton Town Hall.

The meetings will aim to offer a listening ear and plenty of support to anyone over 18 years old living with mental health issues, such as depression.

The groups are led by fully trained volunteers and offer a safe place for people to share as much or as little as they wish.

Rosa Trelfa, from PeerTalk, said: “Research tells us that one in four people experience mental health difficulties in their lives. Depression is a very common condition. Any of us, irrespective of age, gender or background, can be affected at some point in our life and the isolation and suffering that comes with depression can be hard to bear as the stigma around it prevents people from seeking support.”

She added: “The strength of these peer support groups lies in the fact that the support offered comes from others who have a lived experience of depression, who understand, who will not judge, and who can offer help from their own experience.”

There is a growing body of research looking into the effect of peer support in the field of mental health, she said.

“ Research has shown that peer support groups can lead to an improvement in psychiatric symptoms, enhanced self-esteem and better social functioning. The research is ongoing but the signs are good.

‘As a society it seems that we’re not sure how to respond to mental health. Attitudes are slowly changing as mental health awareness is increasing, thanks to the Royal family and other celebrities’ support, and that’s great, but there’s still much work to do. “

The PeerTalk meetings are friendly and non- judgemental, she added.

“We recognise the need to share, to create the space where people will be heard and accepted and know that it’s okay not to be okay. In this way, people who live with depression can find a way through it, with support, and manage their mental health positively.

“They’re friendly, non-clinical and non-judgemental gatherings, with laughter along the way as well the careful listening and abundant support. We encourage you to have chat to your friends and family about mental health to make it known that it’s okay not to be okay and that there’s support out there.”

There is no need to register in advance or make an appointment to attend the support group. Participants can just turn up and will be most welcome. Meetings will take place on Mondays, from 7.30pm to 9pm. For more details, visit: peertalk.org.uk/index.php/support-groups