A NEW drop-in centre has opened to provide advice and information about mental health.

At the official opening, special guest Dr Rosie Page spoke frankly about the mental health problems suffered by her father, Alf Wight, whose James Herriot novels brought him international fame.

She shared her feelings about how his breakdown affected the family, in a day when support was not readily available.

The centre, in Thirsk, is the idea of David Forster, who suffered a breakdown more than eight years ago.

He said: "Speaking about her own father's mental health problems, Dr Page brought some people to tears. She praised the idea of bringing a help and advice service much closer to the community."

The Stepping Stones centre will be an open house, welcoming anyone involved or interested in mental health matters.

Volunteers and people with experience of mental health problems can sympathise and empathise with people who drop-in and can offer advice and routes to other services.

Mr Forster said: "Sometimes it is hard to explain exactly what you are feeling when you are suffering from depression or anxiety and it can be easier to talk to someone who understands on a personal level."

Stepping Stones is part of a three-phase initiative by the Mental Health Support charity which operates within Hambleton and Richmondshire.

The centre has been supported and funded by the Thirsk Regeneration Initiative and York Diocese Social Care Fund.