Membership of a new mental health support group in Royston has exploded after its founder shared his story in last week’s Crow.

Robbie Lane set up the group to give people in the town a platform to speak about their mental health issues, and provide support for others in the same boat.

The 28-year-old said he ‘can’t believe’ that more than 500 people joined the Facebook group and more than 20 people turned up to the second meeting on Monday.

The support network has encouraged some people to open up about their issues for the first time in their lives. He said: “I now have help from mental health nurses, councillors and doctors. It’s going to be massive. I’ve got a little team together now, someone to run a teenage group, female group and male group. I’ve also got a few speakers in and people offering free workshops and activities – stress relief and yoga being one of them – It’s madness!”

The group is also being backed by The MindEd Trust, a charity which supports mental health training programmes. Founder Steve Mallen said: “I think what Robbie has done is fantastic. It removes the stigma of mental health and gets people talking together.”