Recession worries have grown so much in a Shropshire town that two women have decided to start a new group to help people suffering with depression.

Oswestry-based counsellor Petra McMahon and colleague Ffion Wells, believe more people are suffering from the illness, and will start their new support group, called Challenging Black Dog, in the new year.

Mrs McMahon, a cognitive behavioural therapist who has worked with various organisations including local authorities and the police, said: “I have been mulling over launching the group for the last 18 months because more and more people are getting depressed, especially about the recession.

“Everyone seems to be worried about the future and it is affecting their mental health.

“These worries affect people right across the board and I would imagine a lot of people interested in attending the course will have been affected by the recession.

“It is called Challenging Black Dog because black dog was how Winston Churchill referred to his depression. Stephen Fry has also used the term and it is a widely used expression for depression.

“Hopefully the sessions will help people, particularly in these difficult economic times.”

The group is for people suffering with mild to moderate depression. It will have a maximum of 15 participants and there will be 10 weekly sessions with a break at the spring half-term.

The first session will be a taster with no charge and for those who wish to continue there will be a cost of £200 for the full course, payable at the second session.

The counsellors will work with the participants to make small changes to behaviour and help challenge negative thoughts, alongside any other treatment recommended by the group member’s GP.

The programme will include sessions on setting targets, helpful behaviours, the impact of our thoughts and challenging negative beliefs, and how to find a solid and positive support network.

For further information call 07950 030850.

By Iain St John