A mental health support group leader has spoken out about her fears of more suicides as the nation prepares for a second lockdown.

Tracy Carr who runs Talk It Out in Deal believes the government's actions, while necessary, will result in a deeper crisis within the mental health sector.

She lost one of her group members to suicide during the first lockdown starting in March as well as rise in cases associated with addiction.

She is now urging anyone who feel they need support over the next four weeks to get in touch - where support, although mostly virtual, can still be accessed.

She said: "This lockdown has the potential to do some much damage.

"I do know we're going to lose more. There's so many lost souls out there that don't know where to go.

"My fear is that people won't reach out for help but they've got to, please pick up the phone. Even if it's a virtual world for now, at least it's someone. I've got some many people who would just be happy to talk to someone."

'This lockdown has the potential to do some much damage'

Mrs Carr set up Talk It Out with retired psychotherapist Marie Jordan as an evening group for people with anxiety and depression almost ten years ago.

It grew to include a private Facebook page where people could share their problems and in June 2016, saw the opening of its wellbeing hub where peer support and counselling could be accessed Monday to Friday.

The volunteer run service was acknowledged by Kent Police in 2018 for reducing the number of crisis calls by 75% in the area.

But like venues across the nation, it shut down on March 23 and almost 100 members were left without their "lifeline".

In a bid to cope, Mrs Carr set up a virtual hub with a morning group video call and would also make daily calls to those particularly vulnerable members.

Speaking of losing a member during the crisis, she said: "It was awful. I feel that if my group had been open as normal, this lady would still be here.

"We lost another member to Covid and another that spiralled into addiction due to lack of social interaction.

"We're such a tight knit little group. It was like we'd lost one of our cogs and it had a knock of effect."

This time round, she is also concious of the less favourable weather, with many members suffering with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that recurs on a seasonal basis.

Whereas before, when lockdown eased, groups members were able to meet in small groups in private gardens at St George's Church or at the allotment in Telegraph Road, this is not allowed under new restrictions.

However, efforts are being made to work about the rules.

Mrs Carr will continue with the virtual group calls, as well as offer one to one walks along the promenade, online competitions such as cooking and poetry and craft activities - with materials being dropped to your doorstep.

She said: "The online, virtual activities and competitions we do are good fun.

"It gives people something to focus on and we all have a chuckle.

"If we all look out for each other, we can do this."

Anyone feeling isolated who would like to join the virtual hub is encouraged to connect with Tracy Carr on Facebook. She will then arrange access to the private group.

For direct support, call her on 07923 096273.

Support for anyone under 18 is available from wellbeing coach Jennie Cooper, who should be contacted via Tracy in the first instance.

Martin Porter from St George's Church is also happy to offer support on 07733111334.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal