A Silsden man who set up the nationwide support charity PeerTalk to help people with mental health issues has held a meeting in Parliament with Robbie Moore MP.
Stephen Normanton - a former minister at Silsden Methodist Church - set up PeerTalk almost ten years ago, with two support groups beginning in 2017 initially in Bradford and Preston to help people living with depression, anxiety and other forms of psychological distress.
Over the last five years the charity has expanded to now run 16 groups across the UK, with 350 volunteers trained to support people.
Locally, a PeerTalk support group meets every Monday evening, 7.30-9pm at Skipton Town Hall.
Mr Normanton aims to set up a national network of groups in every constituency area of the UK.
During a meeting with Keighley and Ilkley’s MP Robbie Moore, the pair discussed how the government could support the charity in line with the group’s national agenda, with Mr Moore giving the organisation his full backing.
Robbie Moore MP said: “It was a pleasure to host Silsden resident Stephen in Parliament to learn more about this fantastic charity and explore ways in which the government can help PeerTalk grow.
"Providing people across Keighley and Ilkley and indeed the entire United Kingdom with access to a range of tailored support for mental health issues like depression and anxiety is paramount, and PeerTalk does just that.
"I look forward to working with Stephen to help his charity expand into supporting people struggling with a range of social issues such as infant death, living with cancer and similar diseases, partners of those who have had a stroke, parenting skills and many other possibilities.”
You can find out more about the charity at peertalk.org.uk
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