PEOPLE with incurable life-limiting illnesses and their carers are invited to learn more about how a hospice service can help them with mental health issues.

Wigan and Leigh Hospice’s Oak Centre, in Hindley, will be holding a Brew and View Monday event on what is believed to be the most depressing day of the year.

The Kildare Street centre will be open on Monday, known as Blue Monday, between 10.30am and noon to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Oak Centre members will do Tai Chi and The Shared Reader group on the day.

An education session will let members understand how they feel and how to help improve their mental wellbeing.

People who feel they may benefit from the Oak Centre can go to the regular Brew and View sessions which are held every Monday and Wednesday between 10.30am and noon and Tuesdays from 1pm to 3pm.

Next week members will be able to access mental health information and a “self-care board” will be created which patients can use to describe how they look after their mental health.

Oak Centre member Angela Tate said: “I came to the Oak Centre because I was low in confidence, really depressed and it’s done so much for me.

"It has really built my confidence, I’ve met lots of friends and been on lots of courses – acupuncture, counselling, Tai Chi – and it’s really brought me out of myself.

“I promised my husband when he died I wouldn’t stay in but I didn’t know where to start.”

Oak Centre members may attend a range of classes, workshops and therapies designed to improve their physical, emotional and social wellbeing.

Oak Centre manager Jacqui White said: “We fully recognise that people with an incurable life-limiting illness may feel blue at any time of the year but want to use ‘Brew and View Monday’ as a way of de-stigmatising mental illness and promoting the importance of mental wellbeing.

“Many people who come to us are suffering with mental health problems such as lack of confidence, depression and anxiety.

"It may be something people are afraid to discuss because they want to protect their loved ones or feel there is a stigma attached.”