Bipolar disorder sufferer aims to tackle stigma of mental illness with support group

A BIPOLAR disorder sufferer hopes to lift the stigma put on parents with mental health issues by setting up the area's first support group.

Robert Palmer, of Cleethorpes, knows all too well the challenges of bringing up a child while fighting your own health battles.

SUPPORT: Bipolar disorder sufferer Robert Palmer, of Cleethorpes, has set up a website and support group called Parents First to bring together parents living with a mental illness. Picture: Michelle Adamson. Buy photos at www.thisisphotosales.co.uk/grimsby or by contacting 08444 060910

He has suffered from bipolar disorder for the past 14 years, while bringing up his disabled 12-year-old son Morgan.

Now 53, Robert wants other parents living with a mental health problem to feel included within society and to be able to share their experiences with others like themselves.

New service launched to support people fighting cancer

CANCER sufferers and their families are being offered extra support through a new service launched by health experts today.

Grimsby Central Library, Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK have come together to form a joint partnership which will offer those living with cancer one-on-one drop-in sessions.

ADVICE AND SUPPORT: Lorna Briggs, left, community service librarian and Sue Lewis, Macmillan Cancer information and support manager, pictured at the new Macmillan cancer information point inside the Grimsby Central Library. Picture: Rick Byrne. Buy this photo at www.thisisphoto sales.co.uk/grimsby or by contacting 08444 060910

The scheme will be run on an outreach basis, where patients can seek advice and support from health professionals.

Depressed? Don't suffer in silence

MENTAL health professionals are urging people suffering with anxiety and depression to talk it out rather than suffer in silence.

Experts working in North East Lincolnshire want to highlight the fact that depression and anxiety problems are more prevalent than people might think and can affect any person at any time – and are more apparent in areas of social deprivation.

DON'T SUFFER ALONE: Ready to give you a warm welcome at Open Minds are co-ordinator Michelle Hardy (left) and service manager Kristina Fletcher. Buy this photo at www.thisis photosales .co.uk/grimsby or by contacting 08444 060910

 
One in four people suffer with a mental health problem and health professionals at Open Minds, an organisation working with people who have depression and anxiety, are keen to get people talking more openly.

Mum to set up group for diabetes sufferers in North East Lincolnshire

A SCARTHO mum is forming a new network of families affected by diabetes to help give out advice and support.

Jo Raven, 34, of Edge Avenue, is set to start Grimsby's only diabetes support group, based at the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital.

Her eight-year-old son, Joseph, was diagnosed two years ago andwith the nearest organisation based in Scunthorpe, Jo thought it was about time carers and parents in the area came together to share their experiences.