A MENTAL health peer support group which had to put its meetings on hold is restarting at a series of temporary venues across the area.

#ItsWorthTalkingAbout met at pubs in Keighley, Haworth, Skipton, Bingley and Saltaire – but the premises were closed due to the latest national lockdown.

Now, following an appeal via Facebook, several organisations and businesses have come forward to offer help.

Keighley Cougars, the town’s civic centre, West Lane Baptist Church in Haworth, The Burnt Bear at Cross Roads, Bingley Arts Centre and Higher Ground coffee shop in Saltaire are all providing safe meeting places.

#ItsWorthTalkingAbout is running weekly peer support groups for up to 15 people, which are allowed under current Covid rules.

Co-founder Ryan Anderton says lockdown has seen a significant increase in the need for mental health support – with unemployment, debt and isolation among issues facing many people.

He says the groups provide a social outlet, enabling people to listen, talk and receive much-needed comfort.

Mr Anderton added: “Unfortunately due to lockdown our original venues closed but thanks to the organisations that have come forward to offer us new homes, we can continue providing our services to the people who need us along the Worth and Aire valleys. We are grateful for the support.

“It’s a difficult time for many and we hope people will use our service should they need us. It’s free, safe and confidential. Many of our group facilitators are trained in mental health to provide a great level of care, empathy and compassion, along with a good knowledge of other helpful organisations that we can signpost people to.”

Meetings are being held at the following venues: Cougar Park, Keighley, Mondays from January 18, 7pm to 9pm (men’s group); Keighley Civic Centre, Wednesdays from January 20, 7pm to 9pm (women’s group); Bingley Arts Centre, Wednesdays from today, 7pm to 9pm (men’s group) and Thursdays from tomorrow, 7pm to 9pm (women’s group); West Lane Baptist Church, Haworth, Wednesdays from January 20, 7pm to 9pm (men’s group); The Burnt Bear, Cross Roads, Wednesdays from January 20, 7.30pm to 9pm (women’s group), and Higher Ground coffee shop, Saltaire, Tuesdays from January 19, 5pm to 7pm (men’s group).

For further information about the group meetings, visit facebook.com/itsworthtalkingabout.