Everybody needs somebody.

That is the message to be screened on regional television from a south Essex group offering a route back onto the social circuit.

Viewers of Carlton television will this week spot some familiar scenes as the Your Shout slot films from Southchurch Hall gardens.

The five-minute show gives individuals and organisations the opportunity to get on their soapbox about an issue which affects their lives.

A volunteer from the South Essex Good Companions organisation, based in Southend, has filmed the short piece which is to be screened some time this week.

The group offers befrienders to people with mental illnesses who have found themselves excluded from friendship groups and social gatherings.

Barbara Paknadel, who deals with volunteer recruitment, said she hoped the far-reaching publicity of the programme would encourage others to get involved.

The group has 109 volunteers working around Southend, Castle Point, Basildon and Brentwood, and are hoping for some new recruits.

Mrs Paknadel said: "Simple friendship and doing things together can really make a difference to peoples' lives. People with mental health problems can still get out and do things."

If you can offer your spare time as a befriender call Mrs Paknadel on 01702 343222.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.