A WOMAN who suffered the loss of her parents has launched a group to help people experiencing loneliness in their lives.

Nicola Marsh, 48, decided to set up the NBLA (Never Be Lonely AGAIN) Group on Facebook to help make a difference for people suffering from isolation.

Mum-of-four Nicola set up the group a few months ago after she had lost her parents, including her dad to emphysema, and also a friend of a friend had taken their own life.

Nicola, from Prescot, said: "From that moment, I thought something has got to be done. Mental health services are bursting at the seams and I thought we need to do something which people can just turn to.

"I just set up the group within all of five minutes and next, everyone came streaming in."

Nicola has been astonished by the response it has had, with more than 2,000 members amassed.

The private group allows people to share their problems and receive support and Nicola has a team of seven admins running the group to provide a secure and trustworthy network for members.

"They just write things about how they're feeling and members jump on the post," added Nicola.

"It gives them confidence, everyone supports each other.

"We have had a few members who had tried taking their own lives. It gives them a friendly chat and for people who can't get out of their houses and have no-one to talk to. They just want to be noticed and to have someone to say 'hello' to them."

Nicola says many members come from the local area - and also has attracted some members from abroad.

Some members went on a camping trip in August, with plans for a Christmas party.

"I know St Helens has the highest rate of suicides and there's a lot of people from St Helens.

"It's nothing professional but people are loving it. It has gone beyond any expectations, it is unbelievable and it is also helping me."

To join the group, see: facebook.com/groups/384959682000193/