A big helping hand is available for Hartlepool's lonely and isolated - here's everything you need to know

Up to 70 people are already turning to the Minds For Men/Wellness For Women project to help them during the lockdown.

And the people who are doing a marvellous job in running the service – co-ordinator Dawn Smith and chairman Martin Connelly – called on even more people to come forward and join in.

Just look at the list of activities the project already runs.

* It has a gardening project where members go out and about and spruce up gardens – from public spaces to care homes and private gardens.

* It runs day trips to places such as Hadrian’s Wall and Aysgarth Falls.

* It holds weekly group sessions for women in Tuesdays from 6pm to 8pm.

* It holds weekly group sessions for men on Thursdays from 6pm to 9pm.

* Minds For Men/ Wellness For Women is ready to branch out with support for veterans, the elderly and the 16-21 age group.

* A photography group will be starting on Wednesday.

* A metal detecting group has been launched after Minds For Men/ Wellness For Women teamed up with East Durham Detectors.

* A reiki and crystal healing group, which has been launched for women, is being extended to men.

All of the services are based at the Annexe in Wharton Terrace in Hartlepool. Martin said: “We are trying to accommodate as many groups as possible.”

Martin said the pandemic has meant ‘loneliness and isolation’ for many people and added: "We do one-to-one sessions and we can assess what it is that people need and what kind of support they need.

"It is nice to see people coming together. This is about getting people involved and knowing they are not alone.”

Martin praised Dawn’s work which, he said, could be illustrated by her having “a following of 60 to 70 people.”

Figures show that in Hartlepool, one in four men have a mental health problem.

Minds For Men/ Wellness For Women, which works in conjunction with town group Stags, would love to hear from more people suffering from loneliness and isolation.

Minds For Men/ Wellness For Women was launched early in 2020 to support people in all their mental health needs.

It is a branch of the town charity Miles For Men.

It all started in 2012 when Miles For Men founder Micky Day wanted to do something in memory of his father and suggested a sponsored run for men. ​

It was a massive success and has continued to be ever since.

But other projects have since been added to the growing cause including the Walk For Women.

Then came the Extra Mile charity shop which is based in the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

To find out more about Minds For Men/ Wellness For Women, contact the group by either;

* Visiting www.mindsformen.co.uk

* Emailing [email protected] or [email protected]

* Visiting either Stags Hartlepool or Minds For Men/ Wellness For Women on Facebook.

* Calling 07935 152839 for Stags Hartlepool or 07935 331338 for Wellness For Women.

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.