A NEW anxiety support group has been set up by a mum who struggles herself.

Sarah Kana-ah, who lives in Bathpool, near Taunton, created the Somerset Anxiety Support Group at the end of November last year.

Since its creation, the group has already gained more than 150 members.

The 31-year-old mum was inspired to create the group, which brings together helpful content for its users, after meeting an elderly lady with the same condition as her.

This made her realise ‘people of all ages’ could struggle, just as she had.

“I personally suffer with anxiety but the thing that really pushed me was when I was having dinner at my local pub,” she said.

“I was with my little boy and this lovely lady on the table next to us started talking to me about her grandson, and asking about my little boy. She was so welcoming and kind that I wondered who she was having dinner with.

“I realised she was on her own, so I wanted to ask her to come and sit with me and my son. I asked her and she apologised and said ‘sorry I really cant - I struggle with anxiety’.

“At that point I could really relate to her and understand as I struggle with anxiety myself.

“I realised it wasn’t only me who suffered with anxiety. She was an elderly lady which made me realise people of all ages are affected by anxiety.”

Following her success in setting up the group, which can be joined by searching Somerset Anxiety Support Group on Facebook, she has decided to host a monthly meet-up event.

The first ‘anxiety cafe’ will be held at The New Mill in Bathpool from 1.45pm on February 12.

She added: “Its a chance to make new friends, talk about anxiety with people who understand and a way to meet like-minded people in a friendly welcoming environment.

“Donations to Mind are also welcome.”

Sarah, who works for BBC Somerset, says more needs to be done to help people talk about their mental health, to stop people ‘struggling quietly on their own’.

She added: “Anyone who has suffered or is suffering from anxiety or their mental health can join.

“It is free to join and it’s a closed group so no one will know you’re a member and everything is strictly confidential within the group.”