MENTAL health support on offer in the district has been spotlighted to members of the LGBTQ+ community across Keighley and South Craven.

Behind the move, timed to coincide with Pride Month, is Bradford and Craven Talking Therapies.

It said that members of the LGBTQ+ community often experienced above-average rates of mental health issues – including depression, stress and anxiety – due to experiences of social stigma, discrimination and isolation.

Bradford and Craven Talking Therapies offers a wide range of confidential support services to anyone in need.

Options include online courses that people can access from home, group sessions and guided self-help covering a variety of topics such as managing low mood, sleep problems and coping with different types of anxiety.

Naomi Holdsworth, operations service manager with Bradford and Craven Talking Therapies, says: "Pride Month is a time to support and celebrate LGBTQ+ communities, whilst also acknowledging the challenges still faced by many and the ongoing work to bring about equality for everyone.

"Understanding these unique pressures, we offer a range of confidential support services which are designed to address and alleviate these challenges.

"We are dedicated to providing inclusive, compassionate and professional mental health support which is tailored to individual needs.

"Services are designed to be safe and welcoming for everyone. Experienced therapists who understand the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community, and are trained to provide support that respects and affirms identity, are available to offer personalised care.

"We are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, has access to the mental health services they deserve.

"We understand that mental health care must be inclusive and sensitive to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. We're here to listen and to help."

Bradford and Craven Talking Therapies is open to anyone aged 16 and over who is registered with a GP in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale or Craven. People don't have to go through their GP to access support.

Visit bdctalkingtherapies.nhs.uk, call 01274 221234 between 9am and 5pm, email talkingtherapiesadmin@bdct.nhs.uk or write to Bradford and Craven Talking Therapies, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, Level 5, New Mill, Victoria Road, Saltaire, BD18 3LD.

For a directory of services available across the whole of Bradford district and Craven, visit healthyminds.services

Support services include Guide-Line, which can be contacted on 08001 884 884, or alternatively chat online at mindinbradford.org.uk/chat

For urgent mental health support, call 0800 952 1181.