A HERO who has helped saved the lives of two men is also providing mental wellbeing sessions for the community.

Tony Grimes assisted in helping and talking down two suicidal people from a bridge over the past year, with once incident taking place just a few weeks ago.

The 60-year-old has been running Cheshire Wellness and Mental Fitness for over two years, after having his own experiences with ‘mental and physical issues’.

The classes, which are held in Lymm, consist of people who may be struggling with their mental health to just turn up and to listen to each other.

Tony said: “They know what they are going through, they can meet up with like-minded people every Monday night and can either listen to other people and then they start to open up.

“We have had people coming to us for over two years for the group who have made some amazing positive steps.

“It’s just the fact that they very often feel less alone with their troubles.”

Tony, from Grappenhall, runs the group along with his daughter-in-law Jenny Grimes, owner of Ruby and Harry in Lymm, and Farah Jones, a retired mental health manager.

The trio can always signpost people to the relevant organisations if required.

Tony added: “What we do is, we can help them to not feel as though they are alone.

“It is just really to let people know that there are other ways to cope with their troubles.

“We all need hope when we are feeling some kind of despair.”

The number of people attending the drop in sessions has increased, according to Tony, over the last few months.

One woman who regularly attends the group said: “Recently, I had a really bad couple of weeks, I didn’t want to be around people.

“I just wanted to be in bed on my own.

“But I still went along to group (I’ve only ever missed two, due to illness and family plans) I told everyone how I was feeling, and got that extra bit of support I needed, to help pull me through my dark cloud.

“I have learned so much, about other people and their personal struggles.

“Most importantly, I have realised that so many people care and are willing to help.

“Lymm has been crying out for a support group just like this, it’s pretty evident, just from looking at the array of people who have attended the meetings so far.”

A man who attends the group said: “I’ve been attending this group for more than two years and look forward to these meetings each week, I can discuss anything that is bothering me knowing that it’s all confidential that is said in the room, I always receive a warm friendly welcome it’s line I’ve discovered a new family to help and support me.”

The group also has close links to TALKHUB Men’s Walk and Talk group, Directions for Men mental health group and Get Warrington Talking.

You can find the Cheshire Wellness and Mental Fitness website here, and their Facebook page here.

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, or you are struggling with your mental health, help is available.

Please call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org