A FORMER England Test batsman has given a speech as part of his aim to try and ‘help break down the stigma’ around mental health.

Graeme Fowler, who hails from Accrington, gave a talk about the issues he has faced as part of the inaugural Families, Health and Wellbeing Consortium conference at Turf Moor in Burnley.

He believes that people talking about their issues is key to helping improve perceptions on mental health.

Mr Fowler, 59, said: “Mental health problems affect one in four people. The more people talk about it, the more they will understand.

“I’ve already had some people say to me if it wasn’t for them hearing what I have said on social media, at talks or in my book, they wouldn’t be here now. If you get that sort of response, you’re not going to stop.”

The left-handed batsmen, who made a career best 201 for England in India in 1985, has suffered with depression for 12 years.

He is a mental health ambassador for the Professional Cricket Association and carries out talks to help let people know they’re not alone, and share his experiences.

The father-of-three said: “People don’t get embarrassed if they have a virus, so why should people be embarrassed by mental illnesses, its just one step along from that, it’s about educating people.

“I think it’s beginning to break down the stigmas. It was only two generations back in my grandparents day when they just had lunatic asylums.

“It has come along way since then, people are starting to understand what is going on, people are starting to know there is no need to be scared of these people and held is out there.”

The conference was held to help inspire people in East Lancashire to take a greater understanding of mental health issues such as depression.

A selection of speakers with experience in dealing with these problems gave talks at the event to help provide information in dealing and raising awareness of the issues.

Families, Health and Wellbeing Consortium chairman Dave Edmundson said: “I was very pleased with the day. The feedback was excellent.”

“Fantastic that we had somebody who has faced these sort of issues and set a great example to people, he talks so courageously.

“We try to help people with a variety of issues throughout Lancashire. We act as a one stop shop for people and we just try and make a difference to help people.”