A DAD who created a mental health support group for hundreds of people during lockdown has been presented with Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s daily Points of Light award.

Samuel Robbins, who is a trained mental health first aider, created the Swindon and Wiltshire Mental Health Support Group on Facebook.

MP Robert Buckland, who presented the award, said: “Through the group, he has been providing advice and signposting to people who may be struggling with their mental health. Samuel has also organised zoom calls during the pandemic to combat loneliness. Future plans include expanding these to physical meet ups once the Covid restrictions are relaxed.”

He praised the dad for his research on how lockdown had affected people.

“This report has been shared with me,North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, as well as the Prime Minister and the Duchess of Cambridge who is a renowned champion of the issue.”

“He has provided vital support to hundreds of people in and around Swindon, at a time when it has been needed the most.”

Samuel is also a Pride of Swindon Winner 2020 and a Covid Community Champion. He also regularly takes part in voluntary work in the local community.

Samuel said: “I am very honoured and humbled to receive this award from the Prime Minister. Mental Health is such a big subject for me and to help other people just comes naturally.

“Mental Health issues have increased during the Covid pandemic and I have tried to do as much as I can to keep people going. This has ranged from just talking to someone when they are alone to finding and obtaining urgent medical support.

“My advice to anyone would be to always ask twice when you are asking if someone is OK. You will find the second time round they will open up. #SpeakOutSaveLives.”