A North Walsham man who has battled depression has helped influence a new community-focused project to improve the lives of other mental health sufferers.

Richard Bridges, 72, was on a panel of health experts behind the new Wellbeing Norfolk and Waveney programme, run by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, which aims to help thousands of people living with stress, anxiety and depression across the region.

The retired computer project manager, who cares for his wife, has suffered from bouts of depression since the early 1990s when he was coping with the twin burden of a divorce and redundancy.

He was invited to join the panel for the new wellbeing service after speaking at a mental health service users' forum two years ago.

Mr Bridges said: 'At that first meeting I was frightened to death. We were given an outline of what was happening to the mental health wellbeing service in Norfolk, so I just gave my honest views as someone who had used it.'

The new panel met twice a month and his advice led to an introduction pack for people using the wellbeing service which has been written in reader-friendly, layman's language.

Mr Bridges was also a strong advocate for the recruitment of peer support workers, with personal experience of the mental health service, onto the wellbeing service.

All peer support workers will be fully trained and supervised.

'If you feel aggrieved about something, don't just sit there whingeing that things aren't working for you – get involved and have your say. You might just make a difference.

'At first, I felt I was there to speak up for older people living in sheltered accommodation but it was soon clear I needed to represent all service users and carers. I did feel that my opinions were valued – particularly by the medical people,' he added.

Mr Bridges said: 'There is such a stigma around mental health and that needs to change.

'If wellbeing can do anything to ensure people with depression like me are given greater respect, that'll be a big step forward. It's important that people know they can seek the help they need and will be listened to.'