A project is being launched in Keighley to help men suffering from mental health problems.

The initiative — “Unified Voices” — will provide support to men from black minority and ethnic (BME) backgrounds.

It is the result of a joint scheme between Bradford District Care Trust and Sharing Voices Bradford.

Sarfraz Kahn, pictured, senior community support worker at Skipton Road Day Services, Bradford District Care Trust, said: “We have been aware for some time that there is a growing number of BME males in Keighley who are experiencing mental health problems. Until now there has been nothing we know of for them.

“People from a BME background often find it difficult to get support when dealing with mental health problems. In communities there are language, cultural and spiritual barriers and mental health problems are seen as something of a taboo.

“We are hoping to break down these barriers and tackle the stigma surrounding mental health problems. We will be challenging people’s perceptions and helping to build a society where people with mental health problems are not discriminated against.”

The project is being launched at Keighley’s Temple Row Centre, on Tuesday, from noon-1.30pm.

Kamran Yunis, community development worker at Sharing Voices, said: “We want to encourage as many people as possible to attend the launch and find out more about the group.

“There will be other service representatives at the event. It’s a great opportunity for people to come along and find out more about a range of services in the community.”

Anyone interested in attending the launch or who would like further details should contact Sarfraz on 01535 607139 or Kamran on 01274 731166.