KEIGHLEY'S newly-elected town mayor has spoken of his battle with mental health issues – and how he "very nearly didn't make it".

Councillor Luke Maunsell describes the period as one of the most difficult in his life.

But he feels that he has emerged from those dark days as a stronger person.

Cllr Maunsell – at 26, Keighley's youngest-ever mayor – has chosen mental health organisation It's Worth Talking About as one of the charities he'll fundraise for during his year in office. It runs peer support groups across the district.

The other cause is Dementia Friendly Keighley, of which he is chair.

"A couple of years back I went through one of the hardest times of my life," says Cllr Maunsell, a supply teacher who has served on Keighley Town Council as an Oakworth ward councillor since 2015.

"After years of struggling, my brain finally had enough.

"It was hard to speak or get up in the morning. I very nearly didn’t make it.

"However, with the love and support of family and friends, I was able to recover and come out of it stronger than ever.

"Since then I have learned a lot about myself and picked up so much knowledge about mental health, and how to avoid issues in the future.

"The only real downside is the stigma which still, unfortunately, comes with it.

"There is this presumption that if you had mental health issues then you always will have them, but that isn’t necessarily the case.

"I worked through my problems, concerns and issues, and now function just as well – if not better – than I did before.

"People who have had mental health issues should never be judged for them, but praised and supported – especially when they take on their demons and win.

"This is why I am backing It’s Worth Talking About as one of my charities this year. It does brilliant work at tackling the stigma and supporting people who need help the most."

Cllr Maunsell says during the coming year he hopes to be a strong advocate for the town.

He is passionate about giving young people a voice and encouraging them to pursue their ambitions.

Also, he wants to back as many groups as possible.

Anyone wishing to invite the mayor to an event or support his fundraising efforts is asked to email him on cllr.luke.maunsell@keighley.gov.uk or visit keighley.gov.uk/download/mayoral-booking-form/.