A BRADFORD man who set up a support group for people with severe mental health problems has been nominated for a national award by breakfast television show Good Morning Britain.

Nick Smith set up the Wellness and Recovery group which is attended by more than 20 people every week, and is also a voluntary patient governor at the Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust

The 38-year-old, from Keighley, has been nominated in the Lifesaver category at the Health Star Awards. The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Rosewood Hotel in London on Monday, April 24.

Mr Smith will be joined at the ceremony by Good Morning Britain presenters and nominees from all five categories, and if he wins, will appear on the show the following morning on Tuesday, April 25.

Mr Smith suffered with mental health problems as a child, self-harming and struggling with substance abuse, but is now using his experiences to help others going through similar issues.

He has been nominated as a lifesaver because, through his support group, he has persuaded several people not to commit suicide and to seek help, and by sharing his own experiences and story he has given other people hope for the future.

His work has helped to change mental health services, reduce the stigma around mental health, and ensure people in in the community get the support they require.

Mr Smith said he was “pleased and shocked” when he found out he was nominated for the award.

He said: “I was shocked because I just do what I do.

“I was really chuffed and excited, it feels good people are recognising mental health is nothing to be ashamed of.

“I’m not used to getting praise so it’s all a bit overwhelming.

“I have been running my group in Keighley for more than three years, and I’m also involved with the Cellar Trust in Shipley, setting up the Haven, but the bulk of my work is with the support group.

“I never had anything like this when I was ill, which is why I was determined to set it up to help other people.

“Coming to a group of like-minded people, in a non-judgmental environment,where people are safe to say what they want to say, it’s essential really.

“There is no-one in the group any worse off that anyone else, and we can support anyone with almost anything through our life experiences.

“They relax and feel safe, and it gives people two hours away from their life situation.”

The Haven is open at the Cellar Trust from 10am to 6pm seven days a week, and is staffed by workers and volunteers who have experience of their own mental health problems.

It offers support groups, therapies and relaxation sessions to help people with mental health problems.

Mr Smith’s recommendations as part of a steering group helped to shape the service, which opened in August 2016.

Mr Smith’s peer support group meets every Thursday from 11am to 1pm at Central Hall in Keighley. For more information, call 01274 321911.