MUMS who have suffered post-natal depression are helping others handle the condition through a unique support group in Torfaen.

The Friendly Faces group offers women struggling to cope with life after the birth of a child the chance to voice their feelings and fears to others who have been in a similar situation.

And the group hopes to attract more women who have been through post-natal depression to become volunteers, to offer the wisdom of their experience.

Around one-in-10 new mums suffer with post-natal depression, the symptoms of which can range from relatively mild and very hard-hitting.

It can trigger appetite changes, disruptive sleep patterns, inability to make decisions, poor concentration and low self esteem.

In severe cases, sufferers may even have thoughts of harming themselves or their baby.

Yet many women are afraid to voice how they feel for fear of being labelled a bad mother, which increases their sense of isolation.

"There is a stigma attached to post-natal depression, which can make women who already feel isolated and alone even worse, because they don't feel they can speak about it," said Debbie Thomas, from Cwmbran, a mother-of-two who experienced two bouts after the birth of her children, aged 14 and two-and-a-half years.

"I volunteered to help with Friendly Faces because I hope my experience helps other women.

"I would have loved to be able to join a group like this.

"Mums who come along can speak to a volunteer one-to-one or in a group. It's very relaxed."

Friendly Faces is a SureStart-supported project and its volunteer mums have undergone training with the help of health visitors and mental health professionals.

The group meets every Tuesday at Pontypool Active Living Centre, formerly the town's leisure centre, from 10am-noon and welcomes new mums who feel in need of some support .

A free crèche is available.

Anyone who may have suffered postnatal depression and would like to offer support to others, can attend a Friendly Faces session or contact Lorraine Childs, SureStart health co-ordinator, on 01633 647420.