PHOTO shows (l to r) Mike Wetson, Michael Fabricant, and Peter Hitchman.

Michael Fabricant met Peter Hitchman and Mike Wetson on Friday 23rd November from community group, Open Door of Hope in Lichfield. The group was established to fill the needs of mental health service users in the Lichfield and surrounding areas.

The group first started on 3rd October 2011 with six members attending and now has 92 members. They meet three times a week in Lichfield Methodist church to play Bingo, Cards and have a quiz. They have had guest speakers ranging from health professionals to a scientist talking about the creation of the world. They have also been on Day trips to Twycross Zoo, Shugborogh Park, The Severn Valley Railway, York and Villa Park.

Mike Wetson one of the original members said “After nearly forty years being treated by the NHS I decided it was time to give something back. That is why I created this facility to provide a meeting place for fellow like suffers. The group welcomed the opportunity to meet Michael Fabricant to help lift its profile and hope this will encourage even more members.

“If anyone would like more information on Open Door of Hope you can email mikewetson@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07779 980741.

The representatives of Open Door of Hope would like to thank Michael Fabricant for his interest and advice.”

Michael says: “It was a real pleasure to meet Mike Wetson, the former Chairman and now Secretary of Open Doors of Hope and Peter Hitchman, their new Chairman and discuss the work of Open Doors and talk about my own work as an MP.

“Around one-third of the population will suffer mental health problems during the course of a life-time and it is great to see an organisation such as this providing such effective self-help. No-one should be embarrassed by mental illness and by getting together with fellow sufferers, the solidarity boosts confidence. The Group also sounds like good fun.” Michael adds.