Scarborough woman launches community support meetings in town after online group's success

Speak Out Community Support Group aims to reach out to troubled people around the borough, offering support and a safe space for people to talk.

Its online community has grown to around 470, and now founder Helen Speak has secured two venues in Scarborough so that the group can hold meetings twice a week.

"The first meeting went really well," she said. "There were about six people there.

"It's going to take time to build up out in the community."

The group meets every Friday at Gallows Close Centre on Endcliffe Crescent between 9.30am and 11.30am, and every Wednesday at The Summit on St Nicholas Street between 10am and noon.

Helen says she is searching for a third venue so that the group can hold more frequent meetings.

"It's always been my plan to start online and then take it out into the community," she said.

"I'm a people person and I like to meet people.

"I think getting people out of the house is also part of improving mental health and it helps people build friendships."

Each week, Helen chooses a topic to discuss - such as depression, anxiety or domestic violence - but group members are free to raise anything they would like help with.

The group is open to anyone aged 18 or over. The sessions will be informal chats and there will be signposting to other services if people are in crisis and need specialist support, or another kind of help such as with housing.

Speak Out is also looking for volunteers to become team members, as well as sponsors, and raffle prizes.

The group is holding a sponsored walk on March 14 to help raise funds. Those interested in taking part are asked to meet at Sealife at 10am and the walk will make its way to the Spa.

Helen, originally from Halifax, moved to Scarborough seven years ago after 'a horrific few life events', including domestic violence.

She was supported into education, took several short courses and has volunteered with the Samaritans for five years.

Helen completed an access course at CU Scarborough and went on to complete a counselling degree at the university, from which she hopes to graduate this July after completing the required number of placement hours.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SpeakOutcsg or call 07858 827701.