MEMBERS of the community turned out to support a walk aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues.

It was the second time Darlington resident James Harker has organised an event, following the struggles he experienced during lockdown.

Mr Harker, who also set up the Darlington Mental Health Support group on Facebook, said: "It's just to raise awareness for people in the town who are struggling.

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"We did the first one in May last year. I was going through some turmoil in my personal life with my dad having cancer, Covid and splitting up with my partner.

"We started talking about it on Facebook and decided to take it public to see if there was interest and there was.

"We're not professionals, we're not here to offer advice but we're here to provide a place where people can know they're not alone. People have struggled for years and years but it's only recently people have started talking about mental health. We're just trying to do our part.

"It's good to get out for some fresh air and a walk."

They went on a three-mile walk from Blackwell, along the River Tees.

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