A MENTAL health professional has launched her own service to bring down waiting times and make help more affordable.

Niamh Penman, from Oliver's Battery, has received hundreds of enquiries since she advertised her service Let it Out, with the first workshop taking place on Tuesday, March 7.

Operating from Weeke Community Centre, Niamh is offering eight-week wellbeing workshops for people in groups of up to 10 people.

The programme, made up of two-hour sessions, is structured around developing self-confidence and discovery.

READ MORE: Hampshire: demand rises for help for mentally ill children

Leaving seven years of working at the Trinity Centre behind, the 43-year-old therapist is hoping to increase the accessibility of mental health help, with the long-term aim of encouraging other organisations to help fund free spaces on the courses.

Niamh said: “The demand has been shocking and I keep thinking why hasn’t someone introduced this already? Mental health is my life’s passion and it has always been a dream to do it without the constrictions of an employer.

“What I’m offering is different to anything else in Winchester. People don’t like the words counselling or therapy so I want to make the space as comfortable and familiar as possible.

“Counselling seems to be going online now which is not a way to live. People need to be around others with similar experiences and struggles and then friendships often grow too. This group setting helps to prevent social isolation.

“I completely understand that it can be scary to sit and be vulnerable with a group of strangers but I’m here to assure people the best I can.”

“From the first session, I’m overwhelmed with the stuff the group shared and the struggles they have had. I feel very privileged that I can actually help and hope I can improve their lives.”

SEE ALSO: Networking group ‘Freelance Mum’ launches Winchester hub

According to Niamh, one-to-one counselling sessions typically cost between £55 to £90 for an hour, while Let it Out costs £160 for 16 hours.

The service leader is urging organisations to come forward, to further increase affordability by funding free or discounted places for those who can’t afford it.

The workshops use a mixture of power points, videos, therapy and role play throughout the sessions, with new eight-week courses starting in May.

Niamh said: “The biggest problem I’m facing is people can’t afford help so we’re trying to be as low cost as we can but we still need to pay for our venues. I’m happy to run as many sessions as I can within my capabilities.”

For more information or to book a course go to letitout.help/.