A MAN studying to become a mental health counsellor has set up a group for people to speak out about their feelings.

Liam Joyce works in vehicle logistics by day.

But he also wants to support others through their mental health battles.

Liam himself has experienced some bad times and said he wanted to use that experience to offer a lifeline to others.

The 33-year-old from Colchester has now launched the I Hear You event.

He said: “I set this up to help people, to help them realise they are not on their own.

“I feel I can help people and I’m passionate about it.

“I have been through some rough spells in my life and I’ve got through them.

“I don’t want people to feel how I did.”

The event will be held in Stanway and Liam hopes it will lead to become a regular meet-up.

He said: “I’m studying at the moment to become a mental health counsellor and I want to continue to drive this message out and help as many people as I possibly can.

“I hope this will encourage people to start talking, opening up and expressing what’s going on in their heads.

“I hope they can try to realise they are not alone and I want to encourage them there can be a normal life with balance and control.”

Post-Christmas and the turn of the new year can be a particularly difficult time for some people.

Liam said: “I believe at any time of year it’s important to let people know you are there for them.

“But at the beginning of a new year there is a new beginning and a new mindset.”

The first meeting will be held on Sunday, January 26 at 7.15pm.

It will take place at the Stanway Rovers Football Club in New Farm Road.

To find out more search for I HEAR YOU (it’s ok not to be ok) on Facebook.

  • Other groups are also available to help people in need.

The Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 and can be dialled free from any phone.

The Mid and North East Essex branch of Mind is available via the website on mnessexmind.org and has offices in Colchester, Clacton and Maldon.