Help for those with depression

AS we ease into the New Year, for some it’s not the best time of year with mental wellbeing being under strain from low mood and depression – for many reasons.

We often hear words of encouragement from celebrities to reach out and talk, to seek help rather than bottle up feelings that don’t serve us – and that all makes sense, but often making the first step isn’t easy.

We’d like to share with readers a peer support group runs weekly in Whitley Bay, for anyone over 18 facing tough times through depression, or related conditions like anxiety. It’s free, friendly and confidential. You don’t need to be referred or book a place. You can just come along and share.

It’s not treatment, and it’s not therapy, it’s support offered from others who know what it’s like to be feeling low. Facilitated by two trained

volunteers it offers a safe space to offload, share, and receive and offer support – and it can be really helpful. No one judges, and it isn’t all intense and negative – there can be some really interesting discussions, with plenty of good humour.

The group runs every Wednesday evening, 7-8.30pm at The Whitley Bay Big Local, 305 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2HU. For more details see www.peertalk.org.uk/ index.php/support-groups

That someone else hears you and ‘gets’ it can be a real encouragement to keep going. The most common feedback we receive from those who come along is that they no longer feel alone. It helps to talk and that first step you take might be the best one you take – it’s okay to look after you. ROSA TRELFA, director of

operations, PeerTalk