THE first peer support group of its type has started in Bradford to get people talking about mental health.

The group that meets every Thursday evening at Aldersgate Methodist Church in Common Road, Low Moor Rosa Trelfa is the first to open its doors as part of a PeerTalk Project, funded by the Methodist Church.

Project director Rosa Trelfa says Bradford was chosen to host the first of what will eventually be a network of about 100 similar groups all over the country.

The city was selected because the founding members of the project come from West Yorkshire, she said.

No one needs to register to go along to the sessions or to commit themselves to attending ever week, they can just turn up.

“All we ask is that they introduce themselves by their first name,” said Ms Trelfa.

The new non-profit making group is about offering support to people living with mental health issues, like depression. Sessions are led by fully trained volunteers and offer a safe place for people to share as much or as little as they want.

The second group to start will be in Preston with plans to follow in Newcastle, Warrington, Manchester and London.

Ms Trelfa added: “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.’

According to the project research has shown that peer support groups can lead to an improvement in psychiatric symptoms, boost self-esteem and help people function better socially.

“The research is ongoing but the signs are good,” said Ms Trefla.

And she added: “As a society it seems that we’re not sure how to respond to mental health. Attitudes are slowly changing but there’s still much work to do. At PeerTalk 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.”

The weekly sessions at Aldersgate Methodist Church will start at 7.30pm. Go to peertalk.org.uk to find out more.