Steven Walker aising awareness of the mental health charity, Moodswings

Steven Walker is hoping to raise awareness of the mental health charity, Moodswings, after they helped him with depression.

He said: “I can’t thank Tom and Moodswings enough for their help; I feel more refreshed as time goes on. Other services did a grand job, but never as close as Moodswings have been.”

The 25-year-old has been using their services for one year after he discovered Moodswings through Granada Reports.

Steven had previously used other mental health services when he began experiencing symptoms of depression after his nan passed away in 2009.

He says he chose to use the services provided by Moodswings as the charity had been described as a ‘close-knit family’ by Chairman of Trustees, Tom McAlpine, who also provided Steven with the one-to-one help he needed.

Steven said: “I had been feeling at an all-time low as I was really close to my grandma and people kept telling me she would want me to live on and enjoy life, but that’s easier said than done.”

He says the closeness of the charity have allowed him to express his thoughts and feelings as though he were speaking to his own father. Steve was also able to talk with Moodswings about personal things that he was unable to share with even his own family, saying: “Moodswings are like another family to me.”

Moodswings aim to provide care and treatment for those with mood disorders and provide support to those affected, or their friends and families.

The charity was founded in 1999 by Tom McAlpine OBE and operate throughout the North West from their centre in Manchester.