AN ONLINE group created to support women with mental health problems has gained 3,000 members in a week.

Facebook group Girls Unite was set up by Braintree women last week so they could help each other overcome problems.

Liamara Papple and Lizzie Monk, who set up the group, are both mums who want to support others with mental health issues or serious illness.

They are pledging to help women by providing days out, a forum to chat, and meet ups.

Becky Dawson, 21, from Silver End, is a member.

Miss Dawson, of Broadway, said: "I suffer from anxiety and a chronic pain condition.

"The group has been fantastic, they are so supportive and they don't want any negativity.

"I struggle with going out and about and I left quite a few friends behind when I started university but now I have lots of new friends."

She is studying sociology at the University of Northampton.

Co-founder of the group, Lizzie Monk, said the idea was to create a platform of positivity.

The mum-of-one said: "I suffer with serve anxiety and depression.

"A few struggles are leaving the house and making friends, amazingly with this group I have made more now than I have ever had.

"When someone is in need of guidance, or just someone to listen to, myself and the others jump up and get involved- we help to our best ability. "Sometimes even members offer help which I find purely amazing.

"We want everyone to make new friends and get involved and to drag them out of the house to socialise."

The group is planning various charity events to spread the word that there is help available.

There is also a fundraising page: www.gofundme.com/mewmgp-together-we-can-make-a-change?lang=en-GB.