A good friendship is as important as quitting smoking or trips to the gym to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Recent Health Education Authority reports say involvement with voluntary groups, adult education classes or going to a leisure centre, are key factors in achieving a fit mind and body.

Barbara Pakandel, the scheme's recruitment officer said: "Social involvement is so important. If you don't have it you become isolated and can build up anxieties.

"We can all have strange thoughts about things, but if there's no-one there to counteract them, then problems can develop leading to anxiety. Friendships relieve tension."

As many people kick-start the New Year with resolutions to lose weight and get fit, the organisation is hoping it will encourage more people to join its Resolve to get Involved campaign.

Run by the National Schizophrenia Fellowship, South Essex Good Companions aims to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Volunteers become befrienders to sufferers providing a listening ear as well as a link with the outside world for a couple of hours a week.

Volunteer, Margaret Wall, said: "For some people it's easier to drop out of a social circle than try to explain that you feel anxious or depressed in certain situations."

After undergoing training, volunteers take sufferers on trips to museums or libraries and one volunteer even takes his new friend flying!

Others carry out more mundane, but to the sufferer often essential, trips such as shopping.

For more information about becoming a befriender telephone Companions on 01702 343222.

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