The Hastings Mental Health Support Group went online for the first time last week, to raise awareness of mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Group leader Sheila Openshaw said the website was a “wonderful tool” and the first of its kind in the region.

“It can provide the Hastings community at large with up-to-date information about the services that are available to carers and clients,” Mrs Openshaw said.

The website has background information on the mental-health support group and a weekly blog written by Mrs Openshaw.

Comments from the community and artworks done by carers and clients also are displayed

“The blog will provide people with current things that are happening with mental health in the area,” Mrs Openshaw said.

People also can donate money to the group through the website.

The Hastings Mental Health Support Group is a non-profit organisation and Mrs Openshaw said it had “very limited resources”.

Money donated would be used to expand the website, she said.

Before the website, the only source of mental-health information for group members was a monthly newsletter.

Mrs Openshaw said she would continue to compile the newsletter for elderly carers who did not have internet access.

The group’s monthly meetings would continue as usual.

“I’d like to thank Eric Edge from Cheap Website Services for his help and inspiration,” Mrs Openshaw said.

Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott said the website complemented the work of the support group.

For more, log on to www.supportmentalhealth.com