STAFF behind the counter of a chip shop in Orford are offering a special with a difference - support for customers who are struggling with mental health problems.

The Greenwood Fryer boasts the usual fare of fast food favourites that you might expect from a takeaway of its sort, from the classic fish and chips to pies, kebabs and burgers.

But there is something else on offer that is not advertised on the menu at the Greenwood Crescent chippy - something that could save your life.

That special something is a warm smile, a nice cup of tea and a good chat.

Staff member Mel Miller has urged anyone who is suffering from mental health problems to visit the chip shop if they need are in need of anyone to talk to.

The mum-of-two was inspired to help after a customer unexpectedly opened up about his own struggles during a visit to the eatery last week.

On a quiet evening in the chippy last Thursday, January 17, the man told her about how he had earlier attempted suicide by taking an overdose.

Mel, from Orford, said: “I just thought he was a normal customer.

“He asked if we’d been busy, and I asked if he’d been in work today.

“That’s when he said what he said to me.

“I’d never met the guy before and I was a bit taken aback by it.

“I said to him that he shouldn’t ever feel alone.”

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Mel says that the Greenwood Fryer has a ‘fridge full of pop, a fryer full of chips and a comfy chair in the back’, and that she will happily put the kettle on for anyone who needs to talk.

Warrington Guardian:

The 31-year-old took to Facebook to spread her message in the aftermath of her moving encounter with the man, saying that she will ‘always listen and try to help if she can’ - no matter how busy the chippy is.

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She added: “He said that it was a really kind offer, and that he appreciated it.”

“So many people are suffering from mental health problems at the moment - it’s just happening everywhere.

“If I ever felt low, I wouldn’t know where to go.

“Sometimes it might be easier to talk to a stranger, because sometimes you might be worried about that your friends will judge you for it.

“It might seem a bit silly, but even if it helps one person then it will be worthwhile.”

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, call the Samaritans for free on 116123.