Signs of hope are being left at a Leeds bridge to remind people who are struggling with their mental health that they are loved - and that help is always available.
Bearing positive messages like "please reach out... you are loved", the notes were spotted on the motorway bridge on Scotchman Lane this week by local resident Josh Sturgeon.
The local bridge has had a lot of people go there when contemplating suicide over the years, so locals have started putting up inspirational quotes and messages in the hope they can change people's minds before it's too late.
One simply reads: "life can be tough but so are you."
Another says: "Never stop believing in yourself. You can change what tomorrow brings."
Sturgeon, who shared the signs to a local community Facebook group, credited Leeds' mental health services MINT (Men In Need Together) with putting up the inspirational signs.
The charity has personally helped some people who've stood on the bridge over the years and contemplated ending things, so decided to put the signs up as part of a campaign for mental health week.
They asked service users to contribute positive messages for the signs and also left out their own leaflets in the hopes that it might encourage anyone suffering to reach out.
The organisation hosts free support groups every Tuesday for men struggling with their mental health and welcomes all "whether it’s a medical condition, a sad event that has happened or if you are just genuinely feeling down and out."
Encouraging people to attend their group sessions, a post on MINT's Facebook page reads: "There is no problem too big or too small and all are welcome to join our team this evening.
"You can speak as much or as little as you wish, sometimes just listening to other men speak about their demons can enrich you with confidence to speak but that’s entirely up to you."
Follow MINT on Facebook to find out more about their mental health support services.
Leeds
You can watch The Traitors finale on a massive screen in Leeds next Friday
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens next Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Belgrave Music Hall, one of the city’s most beloved event spaces and bars, will be hosting a finale watching party and we’re all invited.
Taking place next Friday 23 January, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale which kicks off 9pm in the canteen.
Best part? The tickets are absolutely free and we've no doubt there'll be some banging drink deals on to get the party started.
We’re already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Belgrave said: "The world famous Traitors finale screening is back at Belgrave! In the past we've been graced with the presence of OG Faithful @theomayne1, plus our Clauds has been known to make an appearance (please scroll for evidence)... twists and turns are promised 👀"
So to give this series of The Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Belgrave Music Hall from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a huge gig in Halifax
Daisy Jackson
Hollywood Vampires are heading back out on tour, with a huge Yorkshire gig announced for this year.
The supergroup, which consists of one of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as one of rock’n’roll’s most iconic names, are set to perform at the AO Arena as part of a run of shows.
Hollywood Vampires is made up of A-lister Johnny Depp, as well as rock royalty including Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, plus Tommy Henriksen.
They last performed with an arena tour back in 2023, making these their first gigs in almost three years.
Hollywood Vampires have now announced a return to the stage, with a show at the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax on 22 August.
They’ll be supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who marked their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires announce Manchester gig. Credit: Aaron Perry
Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.
Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).
A Three Presale for tickets will take place from 10am on Wednesday 21 January, followed by a venue presale on Thursday 22 January, then general sale from 10am on Friday 23 January.
Georgina Pellant -
19th May 2021 
