Protestors gathered on Cromer pier today and carried placards and banners to highlight the number of people affected by mental health issues.

Eastern Daily Press: Jenna Bedwell, one of the campaigners at Cromer Pier protesting the lack of mental health services in north Norfolik. Picture: DAVID BALEJenna Bedwell, one of the campaigners at Cromer Pier protesting the lack of mental health services in north Norfolik. Picture: DAVID BALE (Image: Archant)

The protest follows a number of suicides by young people in north Norfolk.

Jenna Bedwell, from charity Share As One, which offers drop-in support groups for people with mental health issues in the Cromer area, organised the demonstration, called Can You See Us Now,

She said: "So many people have been left without support and are coming to charities like ours in very bad states, which is not good enough.

"Compassion and empathy are missing from services, and something is not right. It's a broken system from start to finish. It's time we stop fighting alone and stand together."

Eastern Daily Press: Terry Skyrme, one of the campaigners at Cromer Pier protesting the lack of mental health services in north Norfolik. Picture: DAVID BALETerry Skyrme, one of the campaigners at Cromer Pier protesting the lack of mental health services in north Norfolik. Picture: DAVID BALE (Image: Archant)

Terry Skyrme, who has worked for mental health services for 40 years, said the cuts in 2012 hit north Norfolk badly.

He added: "All the specialist teams were abolished and the rate of suicides has gone up, especially in Cromer in the last 16 months.

"We are trying to get over to the CCG and new management at the mental health care trust that services need to improve.

"We want an emergency psychiatric clinic in Cromer, where people can walk in and be seen straightaway.

Eastern Daily Press: Campaigners at Cromer Pier protesting the lack of mental health services in north Norfolik. Jenna Bedwell on left. Picture: DAVID BALECampaigners at Cromer Pier protesting the lack of mental health services in north Norfolik. Jenna Bedwell on left. Picture: DAVID BALE (Image: Archant)

"More young people are having to wait to be seen. Another big issue is the lack of psychiatric beds, and people being sent a hundred miles away.

"I am fed up with people talking about mental health, but not coming up with real funds for mental health services."

John Sillett, from the Unite union, said: "Work place stress is driving people to suicide and people need help."

Michelle Warner, from Gresham, has been under the mental heath services since she was 15 and she's now 50.

Eastern Daily Press: Campaigners at Cromer Pier protesting the lack of mental health services in north Norfolik. Picture: DAVID BALECampaigners at Cromer Pier protesting the lack of mental health services in north Norfolik. Picture: DAVID BALE (Image: Archant)

She said: "I've attempted suicide before and have bipolar. We are protesting at the lack of mental heath services in north Norfolk, and the lack of beds at Hellesdon hospital for mental health patients."

Lorna Smith, from Sheringham, added: "I have suffered from mental health problems all my life, and support over the years has got worse."

n Contact Wellbeing Norfolk and Waveney via 0300 123 1503 or www.wellbeingnands.co.ukn Call the free Samaritans helpline on 116 123 from anywhere in the UK.

Eastern Daily Press: Campaigners at Cromer Pier protesting the lack of mental health services in north Norfolik. Picture: DAVID BALECampaigners at Cromer Pier protesting the lack of mental health services in north Norfolik. Picture: DAVID BALE (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Campaigners at Cromer Pier protesting the lack of mental health services in north Norfolik. Picture: DAVID BALECampaigners at Cromer Pier protesting the lack of mental health services in north Norfolik. Picture: DAVID BALE (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Campaigners at Cromer Pier protesting the lack of mental health services in north Norfolik. Picture: DAVID BALECampaigners at Cromer Pier protesting the lack of mental health services in north Norfolik. Picture: DAVID BALE (Image: Archant)