One in four black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) people who have struggled with their mental health keep their issues to themselves, believing they don't know anyone that would understand.

Research from mental health charity Mind also found that 50% don't speak about mental health as they don't want to burden someone with their mental health issues. However, 84% of people surveyed said they felt good about themselves when they are there for people they care about.

Peer support groups offer a space to share experience of mental health and Bipolar UK has been working with Mind and other peer support projects funded by Big Lottery. The Side By Side programme has been exploring the benefits of peer support, such as support equally given and received by a group of people with mental health issues.

Bipolar UK has been offering Support Groups and Mentoring services as part of Side By Side in three areas:

• Rugby, Coventry and Northampton
• Blackpool, Blackburn, Darwen and Fleetwood
• Stockton, Middlesbrough and Darlington

The Side By Side programme is now closed