A CHARITY that helps people cope with crippling depression has been given National Lottery cash to continue its work.

Batley Self-Help Depression Group, which also helps people in the surrounding area, is to receive just over £215,000 so it can carry on providing support services to people battling depression and related illnesses.

Marion Dixon, the group's founder and chief executive, said: "Receiving this Big Lottery Fund Award is really important to us.

"It gives us the funds to continue our work and means we can take on extra help to support the group.

"I founded it nine years ago because I saw that people leaving hospital needed more support in the community. Some people have no family or friends."

The group, formed in 1997, helps about 90 people a week.

Members encourage sufferers from all walks of life.

Counsellors run self-help therapy groups. These encourage support by fellow members and offer a system in which people can people can feel safe and secure when sharing

problems.

The group also runs art therapy classes, sharing music groups and reading and writing classes.

All activities are aimed at encouraging people to open up and express themselves.

The organisation has recently tested one-to-one therapy sessions with counsellors in training at a local college.

Call Marion Dixon on 01924 472891.

The Big Lottery Fund awarded community care services in West Yorkshire more than £3m.