A FORMER serviceman turned mental health trainer is doing his bit to help people in the town going through a tough time.

Matt Hartill, who became a mental health first aider after a battle with depression after serving with the armed forces in Northern Ireland, has set up Mental Health First which is running courses to help business bosses spot the signs and symptoms of people struggling with mental health issues at work.

He is running the initiative with friend Ian Hines, a recovering drug addict turned construction industry manager, and following a successful first event at Stourbridge’s Talbot Hotel this month they hope to hold another on July 13 and 14.

The course covers anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders, self-harm and offers guidance on how bosses can recognise the symptoms and guide sufferers towards professional help.

Matt, who lives in Stourbridge, also hopes to give something back to the community and he says since the first event he and Ian have given away three sleeping pods to homeless people in the area including a man who has been sleeping rough in the town centre.

Matt said he hopes the donation "may help make the night's sleeping rough a little bit more bearable".

Mental Health First will also be holding a No Holds Barred men's support group on Sunday June 30 at Soul Shala yoga centre in Stourbridge High Street.

The event, which starts at 7.30pm, is free to attend. Tea and coffee will be available. Donations are welcome but not a necessity.

To find out more check out Mental Health First on Facebook.