A SINGLE mother who has battled depression is to set up a charity to help support struggling families in Hyndburn.

Elaine George, 40, said that her 12-year-old daughter Abbie had to look after her over the New Year period as she ‘suffered badly’ with her depression.

And she said that her situation made her determined to set up the ‘You’re Not Alone’ organisation to offer support to families that find themselves struggling.

Elaine, a self-employed holistic and beauty therapist, said she wants the group to be a network of families supporting families, rather than specialists and experts offering advice.

And she said that the vital part of her group will be that no-one will be turned away.

She said: “There are quite a few support oraganisations out there but for almost all of them you must meet strict criteria for help.

“I am setting up a network of people who can offer help because of their life experience.”

Elaine, who lives in Church, said a series of events to publicise and promote the group are to take place. And she hopes to secure charity status.

Two regular coffee mornings take place on Tuesdays from 10am at Enfield Cricket Club in Dill Hall Lane and Wednesdays from 10am at 21 Abbey Street, Accrington. For more information call 07966 805 971 or email yna.elaine@hotmail. com.