A MENTAL health charity is calling for people to set up peer support groups to help improve mental wellbeing.

There are currently 15 peer support groups across Blackburn, Burnley and the Ribble Valley as part of Lancashire Mind's Side by Side campaign.

The campaign aims to connect like-minded people so they can share their own experiences of mental health.

Jenny Reddall, community development at Lancashire Mind, said people use their own experiences to help each other.

She said: "A vital part of peer support is mutual respect. Peer support aims to help both those giving and receiving support.

"Through the Side by Side campaign we want to raise awareness of what peer support involves and how it has made a difference to people's lives."

Current groups include peer support for carers and those living with a range of mental health conditions including depression and bipolar.

Ms Reddall added: "Lancashire Mind want to build on its already successful network of groups and increase the number and variety of peer support on offer.

"Via the Side by Side campaign individuals can sign up for free access to a range of benefits, such as group connections, regular newsletters and access to volunteers.

"Lancashire Mind can also provide help and guidance to anyone wanting to set up their own group." For more information visit www.lancashiremind.org.uk/peer-support.