A KEIGHLEY mental health group is launching a spin-off group in response to the death of a young man in Wilsden.

Sam Mckalroy took his own life earlier this month, leaving his family devastated but wanting to help other people in a similar position.

They teamed up with local charity cyclist Ryan Anderton who last year co-founded the It’s Worth Talking About Mental Health group.

The organisation quickly grew from its initial presence on Facebook to regular gatherings in Keighley and Haworth pubs.

Now, after hearing what happened to Sam, Ryan is setting up a branch to serve people with mental health needs in Bingley and surrounding villages.

Ryan said Sam’s family wanted to highlight that anyone was capable of taking their own life in an “instant dark moment”.

He added: “Sam’s family wants to emphasise that Sam was not depressed. He was a very happy, cheerful young man who just one day broke.”

Ryan, a community support worker with Mind in Bradford, co-founded www.facebook.com/itsworthtalkingabout, with the hashtag #ItsWorthTalkingAbout, and launched a men’s group at the Hop On Worth micropub, in Cavendish Street, Keighley.

In March this year he announced #ItsWorthTalkingAbout groups at Industry Barista, in Mill Hey, Haworth, with a women’s group upstairs at the Mill Hey Brew House.

At the time Ryan said he had been “amazed” at the growth of #ItsWorthTalkingAbout, with the possibility of starting similar groups in Bradford, Leeds, Oldham and Devon.

He added: “It was suggested to me that people – especially men – needed the option of support in a more natural environment and a chat over a pint in a safe, controlled setting.

“Since starting the feedback and support offered has been phenomenal.”

Visit facebook.com/itsworthtalkingabout for information about the groups’ current activities.

Ryan, who has himself battled against mental health issues, has tackled a series of gruelling charity bike rides after taking-up cycling to improve his wellbeing.

He has ridden from Land’s End to John O’Groats, cycled around the coast of mainland Britain and last year took on his greatest challenge to date – a 4,200-mile ride between the most northerly and southerly points in Europe.

A Mind spokesman said: “These were inspirational feats of physical endurance and mental strength.”

For more details about Mind’s work to help local people,, visit mind.org.uk.

Ryan Anderton was nominated in three categories this year’s Yorkshire Choice Awards – Local Fundraiser of the Year, Inspirational Individual and Outstanding Contribution.