A MUSICIAN who has battled severe depression for 35 years has told how a community project has given him new hope.

Billy Miller has been locked in his own private hell since he was diagnosed with a recurring depressive disorder.

He bravely gave a deeply moving insight into the daily struggles of living with mental illness and praised the help he has been given by Your Voice through its Community Connectors initiative.

Since linking up with the team, Billy is playing guitar again in public and finding friendship at recovery jam sessions.

The 67-year-old said: "I couldn't think for myself anymore. I was on powerful medication for years and was scared. I had no idea what I was going to do.

"There were days when I could not get out of bed."

The community mental health team stepped in to refer Billy to Community Connectors, a team set up two years ago to help tackle social isolation.

Their help has been life-changing, but Billy says it took a long time for him to find the courage to go along.

Billy, who has played in a number of local bands, said: "In my own time, and with encouragement, I went along.

"Every day can be a struggle. I wake up in the morning and I can't face it getting up, but I now know that tomorrow will be better. That's what depression is, I just have to get through each day, and a mental illness like mine takes away all your self confidence and hope.

"I have good days and bad days. But I know there will be better days now. Coming to the jam sessions at Your Voice has given me that hope. I recently played in public for the first time in many years at the Your Voice AGM.

"The group has given me my life back. It is a terrific feeling."

Like so many people suffering from mental health issues, Billy found himself isolated.

He added: ""My sister Margaret is all I have. She is my only family and she takes great care of me.

"No-one wanted to come and see grumpy Uncle Billy before, but now my nieces and grand-nieces will come with my sister."

The Community Connectors programme was set up as a pilot and its benefits have been hailed by Inverclyde Health and Social Partnership director Louise Long.

Your Voice co-ordinator Sean Macfarlane has helped hundreds of people like Billy find a group or somewhere to go.

He said: "It is very emotional to sit and listen to what Billy has to say. We didn't even know the full extent of his struggle. He is so brave to speak out to help others.

"To know that what we are doing makes a difference is very humbling. Helping people like Billy is why we exist. This is what we need in our community.

"The music sessions are such simple idea - but they works."

If anyone would like to know more their work, contact Your Voice on 728628.