More than 500 people received mental advice after attending a regional publisher’s forum on the issue.

Archant’s ‘Open Up At Open’ event drew a crowd of 550 to hear talks on mental health, in a bid to break down stigmas and generate awareness.

Speakers included former Liberal Democrat health spokesman Sir Norman Lamb, who is a Norfolk MP, as well as actor and comedian Joe Tracini.

The event, held in Norwich, was organised by members of Archant’s content, events and commercial teams as part of the Mental Health Watch campaign, which has been run by the Eastern Daily Press since 2015.

The EDP launched its campaign in 2015

Account director Steve Maddams, who came up with the idea for the forum, said: “In my spare time I volunteer as a first-responder. Sadly, many calls I go to are the result of mental health issues.

“The idea of this event was to say you are not alone. Whatever your situation, there is someone who can help”.

“Many of the speakers had literally been on the brink, but found a way forward. I hope their stories, which were hugely emotive, will support and help others”.

Archant’s chief people officer Dee Willmott added: “Archant’s purpose is to build communities – and this event did just that – bringing people together to debate, share stories and help each other.

“I am so proud of the teams from all the various parts of our business who came together to make this happen. They gave up so much of their own time to ensure it was a massive success.”