VOLUNTEERS from Redditch Mental Health Action Group (MHAG) are holding a two-day event in the run up to Christmas.

It will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15, and is to remind people that they are not alone this Christmas, and that there are still mental health services and support they can access.

Volunteers from Redditch MHAG will be giving out information to residents about these services and there will be representatives from various local organisations to give information about their services including debt, family support, specific mental health help, and more.

Redditch MHAG was set up in May with the aim of letting people know what support was available, campaigning for services where there are any gaps in provision and fundraising for projects in the town.

The group meets monthly at Redditch Town Hall and also have a support group which meets weekly. It is open to anyone who has a mental health issue or an interest in mental health.

The group will be holding an informal meeting on Thursday, December 19 at 7pm at the town hall so anyone who wants to spend an hour or so speaking to others with an interest in mental health is welcome to come along.

A spokesman said: “While Christmas is traditionally a time associated with happiness, family and warmth, it is important to remember there are some people for whom the festivities are not such a great time.

“Whether it is mounting money worries, isolation, or an existing or emerging mental health issue, it can seem like all the support out there is not available over Christmas but we want to reassure residents that they are not on their own during this time.”

To contact Redditch MHAG, call 07788 379389, email redditchmhag@gmail.com, or alternatively visit redditchmhag.blogspot.co.uk, www.facebook.com/redditchmhag, or www.twitter.com/redditchmhag.