Former servicemen who have struggled with mental health issues after serving in conflicts met with a former care minister to praise a newly-launched charity.

Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb, who represents North Norfolk, visited Stand Easy in Norwich, to discuss the charity's work and hear from service-users.

He said he was 'very positive' about what he learned from talking to the ex-servicemen and the charity's founder Naji Malak.

Mr Malak set up Stand Easy last autumn after watching a documentary about the challenges faced by retiring members of the Armed Forces as they seek to adapt to civilian life.

Mr Malak uses treatments such as acupuncture, meditation, psychotherapy, massage, and outdoor activities to help people who have experienced traumatic incidents.

Mr Lamb, who was minister for mental health during the last coalition government, said: 'When I hear the testimony of people who have benefited from Naji's work I can see the power this charity has.

'When people have depression or anxiety which originate from trauma the defaul position is to give them drugs which simply won't solve the problem.

'The NHS doesn't treat challenges of the mind as seriously as physical health problems, yet these can be far more damaging to a person's sense of wellbeing.

Mr Malak said: 'It was great to have Mr Lamb visit us and hear that he believes in what we do.

'It helps us raise the profile of the charity.'

The charity holds coffee mornings every Wednesday between 11-1 which are open to anyone.

For more information on Stand Easy call 01603 666546 or visit www.standeasy.org.uk

Have you got a mental health story?

Email nicholas.carding@archant.co.uk