health workers are planning a series of informal seminars for people worried about their mental health.

The seminars are the idea of Sue Sinclair, staff nurse at Whitecliffe Mental Health Resource Centre, in Brotton.

It is hoped the sessions will help diagnose people in need of support at an earlier stage.

She said: "Many people may be worried about their own mental health or that of a friend or relative, but are not ready to talk to a GP.

"We realised there was a need for sessions where people could hear more about mental health problems, share their concerns and get more information."

The nurse has teamed up with senior occupational therapist Hazel Parker to plan a series of sessions across east Cleveland. They will focus on the symptoms and treatment of anxiety and depression as two of the most common mental health problems.

Ms Parker said: "We hope that many more people will be able to receive the prompt treatment they need for a mental health problem without having to go to hospital."

The next session will be held on Tuesday and will focus on depression. A session on Thursday, May 22, will look at anxiety. Both will be held at Marske Leisure Centre from 6pm to 7pm.