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Tyrone Stoner, 44, a painter and decorator, said he hit rock bottom six weeks ago and went to the doctors because he was feeling suicidal.

He said he was referred to a mental health service locally, but did not receive a call from the service until eight days later.

“I thought this was a complete disgrace,” said Tyrone.

HOPE 4 ALL is the brainchild of Tyrone Stoner, pictured

“I was sitting there and I thought, this isn’t right – there is nothing for anyone. You can go to the doctors between 9 and 5, but what is there after 5pm?”

Tyrone, who suffers with anxiety, depression and addictions, came up with the idea to set up regular sessions where men and women could get together to ‘kick a football around’ and, from this, to form a team or two to compete in the local leagues.

But after receiving huge support for the initiative, it spiralled into plans to provide a programme of regular sports and leisure activities including board games and book clubs; dog-walking and DIY; yoga and meditation; music and more.

Tyrone came up with the name HOPE 4 ALL – with HOPE standing for Helping Others Progress Everyday.

The initiative is open to all those aged 18 and over struggling with any kind of mental health challenges.

Sessions will initially be led by volunteers, Tyrone said, and there is no shortage of offers of help.

The sessions will provide safe spaces in which to meet others; an opportunity to socialise rather than being isolated, he added.

Tyrone said the aim is to establish a regular calendar so that those who want to dip in and out of activities can see at a glance what is going on at any number of venues around the local area, every day of the week and at different times of the day.

“Depression doesn’t keep regular office hours,” added Tyrone.

“If we can just help one person then we have done something.”

He said St. Francis Social & Sports Club in Haywards Heath has kindly agreed for the group to have a room for free.

It also plans to start football training sessions on the sports field next spring,

To find out more, search HOPE 4 ALL on Facebook or email [email protected].

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New Mid Sussex group offers hope for mental health sufferers