A self-funded mental health support group would like to thank the community for their support as they approach their second anniversary.

Shadows was set up by Louise Craik in January 2017 and the group has gone from strength to strength.

The group has recently moved into Glanaman Resource Centre after outgrowing their former base at Cwmaman Community Centre.

Shadows manager Louise Craik said: “This last year and half has been such a great journey.

“Shadows has gained Jennifer Mackay who works alongside myself running and managing Shadows. Jennifer also mans the out of hours support line. She is a real asset.”

As well as helping people as far away as Philippines through their out-of-hours helpline, Shadows have also been hosting fundraising events which have been well-supported by local businesses.

In April, they hosted an 80s/90s night at the Half Moon in Garnant.

“Karl and Jo Knotts kindly donated their pub for the night and Dan the Man donated his DJ services,” Louise added.

“We had a great turn out and members along with friends and family helped from start to finish.

“The support we had from the community was fantastic.”

“We raised £1,396 on the night with crowdfunding included.

“We held our first fundraising event in the resource centre earlier this month which was a table top and open day.

“Also my daughter and her friend had a boot sale the following week to raise more funds to which they have decided to make it an ongoing thing to help support us.

“With fundraiser day and boot sale at the Liberty Stadium we raised £351 - which we are over the moon about.”

Some of the donations the group have received will also help members revisit their hobbies.

Last Monday, Shadows received gardening materials and plants from B&Q which will help members give their new home some care and attention.

Garnant Golf Club has offered members their Parr 5 course and practise area free of charge to help assist the members to return to their sport and leisure or maybe try for the first time.

“We are so grateful for all the support we have received from our local community,” added Louise.

“We have even had people offering to take on skydives to raise money for us which is amazing.”

“Shadows have recently started a Craft therapy session which is run by one of our members which is fortnightly on a Friday at the resource centre.”

For more information on Shadows visit shadowsdepressionsupportgroup.co.uk.