KEIGHLEY-based Positive Minds has won a lottery grant to help set up a support network for older people with depression.

The organisation, which works across Bradford district, has received £9,620 to hold a series of workshops to raise awareness of depression amongst local community.

The workshops will help people understand mental health issues and provide a support network for sufferers.

The money is part of this month’s £668,118 payout from the Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All scheme to be shared among 74 projects in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Positive Minds chairman Marilyn Foster said: “We are very pleased to receive the funding as it will help us in our mission to reach all communities, and tailor the information given out about depression to their needs.”

Positive Minds accepts that depression and low mood is something that affects all communities and ages, but aims to dispel the myth that it is a normal part of the ageing process.

The organisation said depression could be brought on by many things that could be addressed if the knowledge was out in the community.

A spokesman said: “This new funding will help older people learn more about depression, how it affects them and the problems it can cause.

“It is recognised that depression also affects our physical health, increasing the risk of older people losing their independence, which is something that is a fear for all older people.”

The lottery award will also pay for a new DVD to help stimulate discussion, and promote ways that support older people who either have depression or are at risk of depression.

The DVD will look at how people can avoid depression, and also encourage and enable people to ask for help and support if needed.

The DVD will be used in roadshows at community venues across the district, along with be information stalls, workshops and activities.