Duncan Thorpe, 49, who runs Prestige Connections in Great Sankey, decided to start the group after years of unanswered questions about his own mental health.
He first experienced health anxiety at just 16 but didn’t fully understand it, or how to manage it.
“I just assumed it was part of life – being worried about things all the time,” said Duncan.
“I got to the point where I thought: this is an obsession.”
During the pandemic, his anxiety worsened due to the difficulty of securing a doctor’s appointment.
But through various coping methods – like keeping a diary, exercise, and talking with friends and family – Duncan overcame his health anxiety, and now wants to help others do the same.
He said: “I realised there must be people like me in Warrington.
“I’ve set this group up so they can have an outlet.
“Until my mid-thirties, I hadn’t spoken to anyone about health anxiety – it really helps.”
The Living Well Hub on Horsemarket Street, home to 25 organisations and more than 350 staff, offered Duncan a free space to host the meetings.
The first session will take place on Wednesday, July 9, from 7pm to 8pm, with fortnightly meetings to follow.
Reflecting on his own journey, Duncan said: “It’s been a good one, but it certainly hasn’t been easy.
“There will be someone in Warrington whose life is being ruined by health anxiety.
“If you’re struggling, this is a really good group to come to.”
For more details, visit https://myhaps.co.uk/.