A VOLUNTARY mental health organisation originally set up by a Keighley man five years ago is extending its provision.

Moving Forward was first established as a Men's Mental Health Support group by Keighley resident Alan Wilson.

It has been using a free, community-based approach combined with education and peer support to lift men out of depression, and has expanded its work during 2017.

Now, Moving Forward has confirmed it has ambitious plans for this year.

The organisation's project manager, Paul Skinner, said: "February 2018 is an important month for us as there is to be an increase in the number of our groups, and our services will extend from men only to all over 18 years.

"Currently Moving Forward doesn't receive any funding and is truly voluntary.

"We've identified a broader need for our services, so much more will be available from February.

"From then we'll be working with the NHS 'Champions Show the Way' service, to provide three new women’s mental health support groups."

Moving Forward, which has been backed by Reverend Dr Jonathan Pritchard’s All Saint’s Church, in Highfield, also has groups in Bingley and Bradford.

Its members are trained in the causes and effects of poor mental health.

Mr Skinner added: "We aim to use goodwill to form relationships with other groups who share our mission to support poor mental health.

"Last year, in a joint project with Keighley Job Centre Plus, we began wellbeing appointments with claimants.

"Men and women attended the services provided at the Job Centre, which included a 12-week course on mental health."

People have been invited to support Moving Forward's work. The group has suggested people can hold collections at their workplaces, stage fundraising coffee mornings or arrange business sponsorship.

People can e-mail contact@movingforwardgroup.org visit movingforwardgroup.org or call 0776 2508945 for details.

From the first week of February Moving Forward will provide the following, free to use services in Keighley:

Wednesdays: Sue Belcher Centre – 9.30am to 11.30am Women’s Group; Thursdays: All Saint’s church hall – 9.15am to 11.15am Women’s Group, 11.30am to 1.30pm Mixed Group, 1.45am to 3.45pm Men’s Group, 9.30am to 3.30pm one-to-one appointments; Fridays: Keighley Job Centre Plus – 9.45am to 3.45pm one-to-one appointments.