HEARTFELT messages of hope have been left on bridges by members of of a mental health support group formed by a Cradley Heath mum.

The uplifting messages have been made by members of Stronger Together and are designed to help people struggling with suicidal thoughts - aiming to let them know they are not alone.

They have left around 40 notes - on bridges in Penncricket Lane, Oldbury; Cakemore Road in Rowley Regis; plus in Hagley Road West and Spies Lane in Quinton.

Stronger Together, a mental health support group which goes under the banner 'It's okay not to be okay' was formed by single mum-of-two Sam Chatwin.

The 31-year-old, of Hall Street, has battled with her mental health since suffering a breakdown in November 2017.

She reached out on Facebook during a recent low patch and was inundated with responses from people in the same boat.

The amazing response led to her forming the support group - which has a Facebook page - and is staging regular meetings at the Amber Tavern on Hagley Road West, in Quinton.

Sam said members were inspired to pen the notes after seeing similar messages left elsewhere in the country.

Sam, mum to Elise, aged 11 and Blake, 9 said: "I thought it would be a great thing to get on board with.

"If it can save one life it's a good thing."

The messages read: "Don't give up, there is someone who wants to listen," "Help is always around the corner." "Place your hand over your heart. Can you feel it? That's called purpose. Your alive for a reason, so don't ever give up" and "You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."

Oldbury Police tweeted about the notes stating: "Serious messages on Penncricket Lane bridge over M5.

"If you feel all help is lost and there's no way out - there are always people you can reach out to."

The group plans to make more notes covering other bridges across the Black Country.

Anyone who would like to help is invited to attend one of the group's meetings at The Amber Tavern, on Hagley Road West, Quinton, every Wednesday from 6pm.

The group is staging a Coffee and Chat event at the Amber Tavern on World Mental Health Day Thursday October 10, from 11am till 2pm and is appealing for anyone interested to attend.