A SUPPORT group in Cirencester for mums suffering from post-natal depression has opened a second branch in Northleach after being awarded a grant by the Big Lottery Fund.

Shine Support Group, which first opened at The Churn Project in Cirencester, was awarded £10,000.

The grant enabled the group to open another branch for the north Cotswolds at the end of January.

The new centre is situated at Westwood centre in Northleach and hopes to reach out to mums in the Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold areas.

The group provides mothers with art therapy every Monday for two hours.

The centre also offers taster sessions in yoga and pilates. At other times, a local nutritionist will be invited to talk to the mothers.

Lauraine Cheesman, founder and project manager of Shine, who suffered post-natal depression ten years ago, said: “Just for two hours, mums can focus on creating art. It can distract from the anxiety they are feeling.

“Mums with postnatal depression, they always have their baby with them. Because they are so anxious about everything, it is good to get them to leave that anxiety.

“I knew I wanted to set up another Shine because there were so many referrals. Northleach is a nice central spot. Cirencester mums can get there, and also mums in north of Cotswolds.”