A DROP-IN project to help elderly people suffering from mental health problems is to be launched on September 2.

The Gateway Mental Health Support Group will be launched by qualified charge nurses Malcolm Herd and Andrew Sharp, who have volunteered their help to hold regular monthly sessions.

Supported by the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Health Care Trust, the new venture aims to help over-60s who have or have had mental health problems. The drop-in centre will also be open to help carers.

Mr Herd, who along with his colleague is a registered mental health nurse, said: "We want to provide advice, information and support for this specific group of people.

"We hope to be able to direct people to services which they may find useful as well as promote health and leisure activities and also help combat the loneliness some people may suffer from."

The drop-in centre will be open on the first Saturday in every month at the Swallow Drive Resource Centre on Audley Range between 9.30am and 1pm.

Mr Herd added: "If the centre proves to be a success we will hold more frequent sessions in the future."

More information can be obtained from Mr Herd on 01254 293365 or Mr Sharp on 01254 294664.