ANDY Lloyd became a prisoner in his own home after a breakdown left him too scared to go outside.

Now the 37-year-old has turned the tide with a little help from his new friends and is able to help others who have suffered from mental illnesses.

It was coming to Good Companions in Southend which helped him build his confidence and get his life back. The organisation in Weston Road recruits volunteers to act as befrienders to support and comfort.

Mr Lloyd, from Laindon, said: "The first few times my befriender came to me we would just sit in my flat and have a cup of tea."

But slowly Andy regained his self esteem and ventured outside.

He said: "The first time I went outside I was very anxious at first.

"We went to the swimming pool. It felt strange, but I was outside and I felt relieved. Good Companions has changed my life."

Before Good Companions Mr Lloyd's life was in ruins. He had suffered two nervous breakdowns and spent weeks in hospital.

He said: "I wouldn't go outside. For ages I was too scared to open the front door. I became completely isolated socially.

"The only people who I would go and see is my parents. But now I go out and enjoy talking to other people."

Andy's story is not unique.

Like many who have been referred to the service, Peta Chinnery, 67, found the support to be a lifeline. Befrienders' work could be anything from a trip to the cinema or going for a coffee. Peta, from Southend, says somedays she feels down.

She said: "My befriender has been lovely. She comes once a fortnight. Sometimes we go on days out. This month we are going to Hockley Woods to look at he bluebells."

Trish McMeekin, co-ordinator, said: "Some people are on their own almost all of the week before they come here."

Good Companions, which has been going more than ten years, tries to pair patients with befrienders who have similar interests.

Social events are also organised - chip suppers, bowling and picnics.

The service is run by the mental health charity Rethink to tackle social isolation in Southend and south Essex.

Volunteers undergo police checks and then have to go on a training course. Good Companions looks after 200 patients - people referred by GPs, community mental health workers, social workers or those following a care review.

Some 100 volunteer befrienders, who commit to a minimum one hour a week, are there to lend a helping hand.

Alison Williams, Good Companions' volunteer recruitment and mental health promotion officer, also works to help people to become more understanding about mental illnesses.

She has also been involved in visiting schools and libraries to spread awareness of mental health problems. Mrs Williams added: "I see them blossom as they spend time coming to Good Companions.

"They go for coffee or to the pub, anything normal friends do."