HYNDBURN’S mayor opened up about her own battle with mental health problems as she opened a new centre in Accrington.

Coun Judith Addison said she was pleased to be unveiling the mental health centre in Blackburn Road, and had fought against the illness herself.

She said: “People are always surprised when I tell them that I had serious mental health issues at one point in my life.

“I think it’s much better that mental health issues are now out in the open and there are centres like this.”

Creative Support’s Hyndburn Hub will offer advice, information and activities to patients, and will focus on promoting recovery for people with support needs.

An on-site cafe will also provide hot drinks, snacks, and daily specials.

Guests at the launch event saw Coun Addison cut the ribbon, were given a tour of the facilities, and treated to a drinks reception, lunch, and speeches from special guests.

Service manager at the centre, Sheila Reynolds-Newby, added: “Six years ago, when I took responsibility for Creative Support’s Accrington services, the premises were derelict.

“We bought the building and refurbished it to a really high standard, creating a drop-in for our users across the local area. It’s going to be really successful”

The facility will initially be available to Creative Support service users, but there are plans to invite other people with mental health needs in the local community to use the service in the near future. For more information, about the centrecall 01254 872856.