A CENTRE dedicated to helping people with mental health problems has been opened in north Durham.

The dedicated Mind Well Being Centre on Front Street in Chester-le-Street was launched the town’s sitting MP Kevan Jones, who is the charity’s president.

It will be used to help people in and around Chester-le-Street and as far afield as Stanley and Durham City and give support and information to residents on health and social issues.

Mr Jones said it is only the second of its kind in the country.

He said: “It is a drop in centre for anyone who wants to come and talk about mental health, whether it is for them, a family member of a friend.

“They can be signposted to get that to get whatever help they need. No appointment is necessary and it is about taking mental health issues to the high street and reducing the stigma that surrounds it.”

Helen McCaughey, chief executive of Mind, said recent news about the levels of self-harm among young people and the largest increase in suicide for a decade means that the centre will be well placed to support local people whatever the circumstances.

She said: “The centre is here to help prevent today's difficulty becoming tomorrow's catastrophe, prevention is better than cure.

“With it being based in the middle of the Front Street we feel it will become a recognised place for people to get help quickly and easily.”