A MENTAL health organisation which runs peer support groups across the Keighley district is enjoying a ‘fundraising frenzy’.

A wide range of activities is being staged in support of It’s Worth Talking About following the latest easing of lockdown restrictions.

A group of ten walkers – led by prolific fundraiser Donna Ibbotson – with dogs, took part in a 12-mile trek from Haworth to Hebden Bridge. Together they raised over £1,000.

Young Eva Ibbotson is following in her aunt’s fundraising footsteps, with a haircut.

She will donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust ­– which provides real-hair wigs, free of charge, to children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment. And she is coining-in funds for both It’s Worth Talking About and the special care baby unit at Airedale Hospital.

A fundraising ‘champ’ and It’s Worth Talking About co-founder, Ryan Anderton, has begun another mammoth challenge.

After previous charity bike rides around Britain and challenges on the continent, he is now cycling 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

One of the organisation’s trustees, Jane Mckalroy, who lost her son Sam to suicide in May last year, is taking part with friend Katie Phillips in a gruelling Tough Mudder at Broughton Hall near Skipton later this month.

On Sunday, August 8, at Oxenhope Recreation Ground, an It’s Worth Talking About team will take on Bradford-based celebrity side Supporting Charities FC, at 2pm.

The match will be in memory of Sam and another young man, Tom Marshall, who died in October, 2019.

And in September, local model Alisha Bell has arranged a photoshoot at Fusion Photography Studios – which will feature a range of models, photographers and artists – in a collaboration with several mental health organisations, including It’s Worth Talking About, to promote survivorship of trauma.

Andy Clements, who co-founded It’s Worth Talking About, said: “The support shown to our organisation and mental health issues generally within the area is unbelievable.

“We set-up one support group 18 months ago and with the backing of the community, we have grown to approaching 20 free weekly sessions for both men and women.

“And hopefully we will soon be able to launch our first youth-orientated groups.

“We cannot thank everyone enough for everything they do for us.”

Formed in March last year, It’s Worth Talking About began as just one men’s mental health peer support group in Keighley.

Now it is a multi-group organisation covering the Aire and Worth valleys.

There are groups for men and women in Keighley, Haworth, Bingley, Silsden, Wilsden and Saltaire – and online.

“The aim is to provide safe, confidential spaces for men and women to come and talk about anything that is affecting their wellbeing, mental health or quality of life,” said a spokesperson.

“We have Mental Health First Aid and peer support-trained facilitators at each group, with safeguarding and signposting policies in place to help ensure that the best support is provided to everybody that attends.”

In addition to the fundraising and awareness-raising activities, the organisation welcomes volunteers in other roles and has a number of opportunities available.

They include group facilitators, who are trained and supported to manage a group and provide the guidance necessary to help its members.

It’s Worth Talking About can be contacted via info@itsworthtalkingabout.org or visit itsworthtalkingabout.org.