RELIGION could help those suffering from mental health issues, according to a Swindon expert.

Pastor at the Assembly of God church in Old Town Malcolm McQueen said that listening and talking to people struggling could help them get better.

He spoke out as part of Mental Health Month, which the Adver is celebrating along with BBC Wiltshire, with its Mental Wealth calendar. Each day has a tip on how to improve mental health and tomorrow marks a day of praying or sharing.

Mr McQueen said: “Nothing is automatically negative, but people don’t necessarily have someone to talk to.

"They need someone willing to listen, someone able to understand the core of what makes them depressed and that’s what we offer them."

He added: “For those who suffer from mental illness, Christianity helps them to have their mind renewed. The Bible provides them with practical advice, explaining that the battle is actually in their mind.

“People showing signs of mental health issues has increased within our society and this is a sign that something is wrong in today’s society.

“For Christians, the Bible is a handout showing us how to live our lives.”

As Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims is about to start, Imam Mohummed Limbada shared his view.

He said: “What I enjoy the most during Ramadan is that we read the Qu’ran more frequently. I spend more time on it, and from my own experience that gives me a tranquillity in my heart.

"I feel a special and spiritual connection with god. And this is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Mental health issues range from stress and depression to bipolar disorder.

Swindon& Gloucestershire MIND, a charity supporting people suffering from these problems offers a number of coping programmes such as a one-to-one counselling service, employment support and many more.

Senior lead of the service integration Carney Bonner said: “Cultures and religions do help people who are stressed, depressed or suffer from any other mental health illnesses.

“We have members who come from different background and for some of them religion is a large part of their life, it helps them find their way.

“It is a form of meditation and we encourage them to follow their faith if it helps them.”

MIND is currently working with Swindon Borough Council to provide more support across the town.