BEING out of work is causing more than half of job seekers in just one North-East town to suffer from mental health problems, a study showed.

Research carried out among members of Christians Against Poverty's (CAP) Job Club in Stockton-on-Tees showed that four in ten had problems sleeping, 57 per cent were stressed, 61 per cent were suffering from anxiety, and 67 per cent were suffering from depression.

Katharine Lam, manager of Stockton Central CAP Job Club, which is run by Stockton Baptist Tabernacle, said: "It’s very common for people to feel depressed and isolated and the longer that period of unemployment lasts, the more it affects someone’s self-esteem.

"On top of that, there’s the financial impact of being out of work and it is well known that financial stress is a major cause of poor mental health."

The findings come at the start of Mental Health Awareness Week (May 16-22), a special week promoted by the Mental Health Foundation, which aims to give a platform for conversation on this sensitive subject.

*Anyone wanting to attend the Stockton Central CAP Job Club can call 0800-328-0006 or 01642 602223.